SOS Gambia Empowers Youth at Inaugural National YouthCan! Network Congress

On May 2, 2024, the SOS Children's Village in Bijilo, Gambia,holds, nationalYouthCan! Network Congress, bringing together 80 young people from various SOS institutions and partner organizations.

The event, held under the theme "Encouraging Innovative Thinking and Creative Solutions to Address Community Issues Affecting Young People," aimed to equip participants with vital self-esteem and employability skills to promote self-reliance and tackle pressing social challenges such as poverty, inequality, drug abuse, and unemployment.

Why this matters: Empowering youth with the necessary skills and knowledge is essential for addressing the root causes of social issues, such as poverty and unemployment, which have far-reaching consequences for the economy and society as a whole. By investing in youth development programs, countries like The Gambia can tap into the potential of their young people and drive sustainable growth and social progress.

Empowering youth with the necessary skills and knowledge is essential for addressing the root causes of social issues, such as poverty and unemployment, which have far-reaching consequences for the economy and society as a whole. By investing in youth development programs, countries like The Gambia can tap into the potential of their young people and drive sustainable growth and social progress.

Tijan Betts, the National Youth Coordinator, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating,"To address the social issues... Tijan Betts, the National Youth Coordinator, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating,"To address the social issues... it is vital to equip young people with the requisite knowledge to be able to better advocate for their rights and the rights of their communities.

"The congress provided a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, enabling participants to acquire innovative self-employment skills and collectively address the obstacles hindering their progress.

Fatou Lette Jallow, the Acting National Director of SOS Children's Village, underscored the critical role of youth empowerment in national development. She challenged the government of The Gambia to create more job opportunities for the youth, recognizing their potential as catalysts for positive change. Jallow's call to action highlighted the urgent need for concerted efforts to harness the energy and creativity of young people in driving sustainable growth and social progress.

Kalilou Touray, the outgoing president of the SOS Children's Village Youth Network, stressed the importance of youth entrepreneurship in today's evolving labor market. "Youth entrepreneurship provides additional ways of integrating youth into today's changing labour markets and improving their economic independence," Touray remarked. His words underscored the potential of entrepreneurial ventures in empowering young people to take control of their economic futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Alagie Jarju, the executive director of the National Youth Council, emphasized the significance of perseverance in achieving success, regardless of individual backgrounds. "Perseverance is a significant component for success regardless of sex, race, religion and social boundaries implicating youth empowerment,"Jarju asserted. His message served as a powerful catalyst that with determination and resilience, young people can overcome barriers and realize their full potential.

The National YouthCan! Network Congress marks a significant milestone in SOS Gambia's efforts to empower and uplift the nation's youth. By providing a platform for skill development, networking, and collaborative problem-solving, the event has ignited a flame of hope and possibility among the participants. As these young leaders return to their communities armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, they stand ready to drive meaningful change and shape a brighter future for themselves and their peers.

The success of the inaugural National YouthCan! Network Congress emphasizes the urgent need for continued investment in youth development programs. Policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector must work hand in hand to create an enabling environment that nurtures the potential of young people and empowers them to become active agents of change. Only by working together can The Gambia build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation's progress.

Key Takeaways

• 80 young people from SOS institutions and partner organizations attended the National YouthCan! Network Congress in Gambia.
• The event aimed to equip participants with self-esteem and employability skills to tackle social challenges like poverty and unemployment.
• Empowering youth with skills and knowledge is crucial for addressing social issues and driving sustainable growth and social progress.
• Youth entrepreneurship and perseverance are key to economic independence and overcoming barriers to success.
• Investment in youth development programs is essential for creating an enabling environment that nurtures young people's potential.