By: Landing Colley
The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) has sworn-in the 13th Batch of 154 corps members on 7th November, 2019 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The ceremony, according to NYSS is one of the most important events as 154 corps members took an oath to service the nation recognizing that as young citizens they must strive for the country’s development.
Speaking at the event the Minister of Youth and Sport Hadrammeh Sidibeh said the corps members who have undergone a long orientation mull and instil discipline as well as expose them to the values and ideas of good citizens.
“You will agree with me that discipline is the corner stone of a tolerant and progressive society, so It is against this background government recognise the need to channel resources for the youth development and empowerment since its creation the scheme have been supporting youth to acquire skill of their choice,” he noted.
He explained that the corps member has to take this training seriously and become productive citizens as they are to undergone other stage of skill development for the next month.
Drammeh called on the development partner to extend their support to the NYSS so that more young people will be given the opportunity to acquire skills in sustainable livelihood.
He added that the youth are the features of this nation and their empowerment is vital for our socio-economic development.
He commended the government for its commitment to the youth of the Gambia and for providing resources to help necessary.
He assured that the government will make sure that the enthusiasm shown by young people Gambians willing to learn skills will be matched with resources availability in building and enterprising young population.
Emmnuel. D. Mendy, Director of NYSS pointed out that this orientation is vital for moulding and preparation of the mind-set that is geared towards responsible citizenship.
He recalled that in 1996 the scheme started with an intake of 100 youths and by the end of 2018, the total number of youths provided with skill stood at 3,500 such as computing, electrical installation, construction, plumbing and masonry etc.
He noted that many of those corps members today are now either employed or self-employment.
According to him, as the corps member take an oath to service the nation, they expect that new corps conduct themselves with discipline and respect as it is known to those that pass through this important institution [NYSS].