RAID-Gambia recently held a sensitisation workshop for 55 youths drawn from 10 communities in Lower Baddibu, North Bank Region, on sexual and reproductive health and rights, at Kerr Ardo.

The aim of the workshop was to equip the youths with the requisite skills and knowledge to adopt positive behavioural and attitudinal change and enhance their participation in national development.

Speaking at the occasion, Sambujang Conteh, the director of RAID-Gambia, underscored the importance of capacity development of young people in the prevention of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and illegal migration. He noted that there is a need for concerted efforts to support youths and help them to desist from all forms of harmful practices that would retard their progress and affect their reproductive health. He commended the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), through the National Population Commission Secretariat for their continuous support to his organisation in their quest to empower young people. 

For his part, Alhaji Eduwarr Seckan, the governor of North Bank Region, thanked RAID-Gambia for their steadfastness in building the capacity of the youth to actively participate in socio-economic development and also promote communication and networking among youths. Governor Seckan hailed RAID-Gambia for their invaluable contribution in creating the forum for young people to come together to discuss issues of concern to them. He noted that the National Population Commission Secretariat attaches great importance to population and the protection of sexual and reproductive health as well as the rights of young people. 

Chief Fafanding Kinteh of Lower Babibu underscored the need for the youth in the region to support the government in its quest to halt drug trafficking, teenage pregnancy and illegal migration. He urged the youth to acquire skills in order to contribute their quota in socio-economic advancement of the country.

Sherrifo Minteh, orogramme officer, RAID-Gambia, also underscored the importance his office attaches to the provision of sexual and reproductive health information to the youths so as to break down communication barriers and enable the youths to openly discuss reproductive health issues.