By Mariam Williams
The Gambia National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) has on Thursday, 7th November held a swearing ceremony for its 13th Batch of Corps members.
The colorful ceremony took over a March-Off Parade by the Minister of Youth and Sports together with the Corp Members, held at the scheme’s grounds in Bakau.
The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) is a body responsible for boosting the morale of the youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement.
The NYSS has the responsibility of providing the youths with marketable skills, so that they may secure employment in both the formal and informal sectors.
Mr.Emmanuel D. Mendy, Executive Director described the day as another milestone in the history of the scheme since its inception in 1996.
He added that the ceremony marks the 13th Batch of Corps members who were recruited throughout the country by the Regional Committees chaired and co-chaired by the Governors and Chief Executive Officers of the Area/ Municipal Councils in line with the provision of the NYSS Act.
This, as Mendy explained, ensures that regional partners take ownership of the process in identifying young people willing to learn skills for employment and/or self- employment.
He intimated that the swearing-in ceremony is one of the most important events as corps members take an Oath of Service to the nation; recognizing that as young citizens they must strive for the country’s development.
The NYSS boss thanked the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for providing the necessary resources to help them acquire skills for a sustainable livelihood.
Mr. Hadrammeh Sidibeh, Minister of Youth and Sports stated: “Discipline is the cornerstone of a tolerant and progressive society.” He noted that since its inception, the scheme has been supporting youths to acquire skills of their choices.
Meanwhile, he referred to the tracer and impact assessment study that was conducted, showing “a very high demand” from youths who wanted to join the scheme and also it highlighted the positive attitudes, especially in the area of discipline.
“You are the future of this nation and your empowerment is vital for our socio-economic development”, remarked the Minister responsible for youth of this country, as he also called upon development partners to extend their support to the NYSS.
Reason: So that many young people will be given the opportunity to acquire skills for a sustainable livelihood.
Sarjo Cham, a Corps Member, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the 13th sworn in batch of NYSS corpers.
“It is also important to inform you that, all of us are in good shape and mind, strong, healthy and ready for the task ahead of us,” Cham assured the gathering.
