The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) on Wednesday held graduation ceremony for a total of 189 corps members, at Friendship Hotel in Bakau. The graduation of the 10th batch of the institution followed a two-year intensive skills training on various disciplines; ranging from electrical installation, electronic repairing, carpentry, sowing and agriculture, among a host others.

Addressing the graduates, the minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu K. Jammeh, reminded that the NYSS was establishedin 1996 with an ultimate aim to ensure the productivity of the youth of this country, by giving them the requisite skills necessary for their effective contribution to the national development. He assured that the government would continue to support the youth of this country to realised their full potential.

“It is pleasing to note that these 189 have acquired skills in 13 various disciplines which would help our economic needs,” he said. He maintained that the skills acquired by young people would no doubt serve as a pillar for national development. He spoke about the commitment of the government to the empowerment of the youth, saying that since its advent the youth have become very much productive for national development.

For her part, Salimata Touray, the project co-ordinator for GAMJOBS, advised graduates not to lose sight of what is to come from this stage to the world of adulthood. She reminded them that searching for jobs or becoming self-employed and taking care of their needs and their families is a contribution to the national development.

“I would therefore urge the graduates, other young people present here and those in our communities to learn skills and be part of the discussions for addressing the varied challenges that young people face in life, and taking appropriate actions and making the right decisions that will enable them contribute to nation building,” she stated.

GAMJOBS project co-ordinator used the opportunity to appeal to all other operators in the fields of agriculture, tourism, works and banking, as well as other private sector operators to come up with schemes to put these young people at work. In her words: “It is indeed only through collaborative efforts that together we will reduce the level of youth unemployment and give young people the chance to become an equal partner in development.”

Further advising the graduates, Touray reminded them that they are embarking on a new path of life, but that the challenges they may face can be many, but not insurmountable. “I am convinced that with steadfastness, dedication and commitment, you will succeed in penetrating the labour market or establishing, running and taking your business to a level of success never dreamed of,” she underlined.

The executive director of NYSS, Nuha Y Jammeh said the NYSS is on course, making reference to the institution’s mandate of instilling discipline in the young people by making them to become responsibleand to use their skills to take rightful position in our contemporary societies.

Jammeh dilated on the recruitment procedure of the institution, saying they select youths from all parts of the country, in considerate to their mentally and physical fitness and their education background, among other criteria. “The 10th batch was enrolled in 2009 and had undergone two years’ course in various fields, such as agriculture, carpentry, electrical installation and electronic repairing among others,” he said.

Cherno Barra Touray, the chairman of the NYSS board of directors, also used the opportunity to applaud the staff of the institution, while calling for the support of the ideals of the NYSS. He said that the institution has been committed to the development of the young people of this country since its inception in 1996, and therefore described it as development partner that helps instill knowledge in young people. He finally called for the decentralisation of NYSS, while urging on local authorities to identify lands for that effect.

The award of the family of the late Sabastian Njie was given to the best corps member, one Yankuba Dumbuya, in the sum of D1000 Dalasis and a trophy, while one Ebou Sowe was awarded a certificate as the most disciplined corps member. Other graduates were awarded certificates of honour by their various institutions across the country.