Ahmed M. Ceesay
The 13th Edition of the National Youth Conference and Festival (NaYCONF) 2020 budget is estimated at seven million dalasis (D7, 000,000.00), as disclosed by Mr. Dembo Kambi, Chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC).
Mr. Kambi made this disclosure on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the NaYCONF 2020 National Organising Committee held at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
“This year’s NaYCONF will be the 13th Edition and the budget is estimated at seven million dalasis (D7,000,000.00) for seven days from 15th – 20th April, 2020 to be hosted by Banjul,” Kambi told the gathering
The National Youth Council (NYC) together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and partners held the inauguration of NaYCONF 2020 National Organizing Committee (NOC) and signing of agreement between the NYC and Banjul City Council (BCC)- the host.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Hadrammeh Sidibeh and staff of his Ministry, NYC staff, NaYCONF 2020 NOC, and also youth groups.
Chairperson Kambi informed his audience that this year’s NaYCONF will bring together over 2000 youth to showcase their talents. He said NaYCONF is a platform that provides opportunities to young people to showcase their talents, participate in discussion that are meaningful to national development, and promotes sporting activities.
As part of NaYCONF, the NYC Chair stated, sessions are organised to develop the skills and understanding of young people on the importance of education, entrepreneurship, information technology, etc. He further said participants attending NaYCONF are also provided with accommodations, feeding and other logistics.
Speaking of behalf the Lord Mayor of Banjul, Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, her Deputy Mr. Omar B. J. Touray, who signed the NaYCONF 2020 hosting Agreement, thanked NYC for choosing Banjul to host the biggest youth event of the year.
The Deputy Mayor reiterated the importance of NaYCONF and gave his assurance that Banjul is ready to “successfully” host the event.
The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Hadrameh Sidibeh said that NaYCONF is a bi-annual event that brings together young people to exhibit their talents, peer-to-peer learning, and it also creates a platform for the young voices.
“These objectives are quite worthy of support.” the Minister responsible for youth matters acknowledged, as he also informed the audience that the government is aware of the importance of NAYCONF and would provide financial and moral support towards the success of NaYCONF.
NaYCONF
The National Youth Conference and Festival (known as NaYCONF) is a bi-annual event that brings the nation’s youth together to discuss issues affecting their lives as well as their role in National Development.
It was originally called ‘The National Youth Week’ and only consisted of Sporting and Cultural programmes. Such Youth Week celebrations were first held in Banjul in 1974/1975, then in Basse, Upper River Division in 1975 and followed by other Divisions.
The Youth Conference and Festival was first held in Bakau, Kombo St Marry Division (KSMD) in 1990. The week-long event features variety of sporting, cultural and intellectual programmes.
