The Banjul Red Cross branch under the umbrella of The Gambia Red Cross Society on Saturday celebrated its 10th annual youth gathering at the St Augustine's Senior Secondary School.

The gathering which aimed at bringing young people from different walks of life together, provided a forum for the discussion of issues of concern to young people. It was a platform where volunteers were allowed to showcase their leadership skills and talents.

The theme for this year was "Together for Humanity". In giving the welcoming remarks, the chairman of the branch, Momodou Jahateh, said the involvement of youth in any aspect of development is very crucial. He said the Red Cross is a voluntary service organisation ready to help the vulnerable.

For his part, Sulayman Bah, the Youth Area representative dilated on the reasons for the annual youth gathering, which started in 1998. He described the gathering as a source of knowledge for the youths to tackle problems in their societies. He also called for urgent action against illegal migration.

Mustapha Njie, the chairman of the organising committee, dilated on the need for individuals and stakeholders to help the vulnerable. For her part, the secretary general of The Gambia Red Cross Society, Ndey Bakureh, urged people to reflect on the impact of climate change and illegal migration.

At the end of the event, certificates were issued to hardworking members of the society.