DaVinci Senior Secondary Technology School Science and Maths ambassadors on Wednesday organised its fourth symposium held at the school grounds on the theme: ‘Say “No” to issues affecting us and “Yes” to education’. The symposium would better equip the students on issues affecting their lives and to make an informed decisions on issues concerning their education.

Speaking at the symposium, Demba Ceesay, director of Administration at the National Drug Enforcement Agency spoke on drug abuse, which he said, is a menace to education and national development. This, he added has become the number one enemy of youths of modern times.

According to him, drug abuse and drug trafficking has become so topical that hardly a day passes without it becoming a subject of discussion somewhere in a seminar, conference, passing out ceremonies, in the press or media or even at village ‘bantabas.’

He further indicated that there is no hiding that drug abuse and drug trafficking are problematic issues in The Gambia, adding that the National Drug Enforcement Agency has noted with serious concern the rate of arrest and conviction of young people on drug-related charges especially cannabis possession.

“Our records show that from 1st January 2011 to 8th October 2011, 330 cases of Cannabis sativa were registered, representing 90% of the overall drug cases for the year; 45% of the 320 cases (involving 130 persons) involved youths of ages 13 to 20 years. Imagine if all the accused persons in these cases are sent to jail, then the courts would be locking up 130 youths in just one year,” he revealed. 

Aisha Jallow, staff of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, delving into the values of education, stated that it is education which transforms a person to live a better life, and more importantly in socially well being. “Education is the solution of any type of problem, and it is education which promotes good habits, values and awareness towards anything like terrorism, corruption and disease,” she added.

Jallow said that technology along with mass media plays a good role in continuing the communication of education through known and unknown persons, while it provides them with the knowledge in determining what is good and bad for them.

Abdoulie Fye, programme manager of National Youth Council, deputising for the executive secretary of NYC, spoke on the role of young people towards national building. Defining the youth, he saidis any person who is from the age of 13 to 30 andthat statistics have revealed that more than 63% of the population are youths.

He advised the students to be serious with their education and also urged them to respect the laws of the country. Fye further called on the students to participate in community service, noting that they have a role to play in society.

Abdoulie Badgie, chairperson of the National Child and Youth Advisory Board, who also spoke on sexual harassment, advocacy and lobbying, revealed that harassment happens every time in schools, workplaces, homes and everywhere. He urged his fellow sisters to be mindful of the way they dress when going out to the society.

Other speakers included Muhammad L. Sanyang, coordinator of Science and Maths Ambassadors; Lamin Camara, deputy coordinator of Science and Maths Ambassadors; they all expressed similar sentiments.