By: Haruna Kuyateh
4H The Gambia, a local NGO operating within North Bank Region and Central River Region North and South on Saturday held its 36th National Gathering for 2023.
The event formed part of the organization mandate to bring its youths, board, and stakeholders together to discuss issues, development, and way forward.
4H Norway was established on 10th February 1987 and the motto is Learning By Doing. The daylong engagement was held at Farafenni General Hospital North Bank Region.
Alieu Ceesay, 4H National Programme Director hailed 4H Norge of Norway for their unflinching support to the development of youths and women on skill acquisitions and environmental protection.
He noted that the day provided an opportunity to discuss the 2022 annual and audited financial reports and the 2023 work plan.
Director Ceesay said activity promotes good governance and social accountability at the office and youths clubs level to openly discussed a wide range of development projects and programs aimed at improving the lives and livelihood of the people.
He disclosed that there is a plan in offing to celebrate world day with partners, as this can help the youth and clubs to showcase various farm produce and form partnership.
Musa Samura 4H Gambia National Board Chairman reiterated the principle of promoting all-inclusive participation in the implementation of projects. He said 4H Gambia aims to empower youths, enhancing their practical knowledge in rural areas to make their dreams a reality through a participatory process of information sharing and livelihood development.
Musa Chaw, Finance and Administrative Officer outlined 4H Gambia 3 years strategic plan and direction, governance, and finance procedure manuals meant to enhance effective operations within best practices.
He noted that 4H Gambia has established a 1ha vegetable garden for the community of Walalan through a partnership with Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the UNDP small grant project aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood development and protecting nutrition.
Various 4H youths clubs presented their activities reports for 2022. Members look forward to the availability of adequate funding to support loan revolving schemes and small ruminant breeding among others.
Fatima Jammeh 4H Gambia Teacher Coordinator at Yallal Basic Cycle School disclosed that the club embarked on cleansing exercise and vegetable production.
And Amadou Bah of Sameh Karantaba, Gibriel Dem Chanchaiclust, and Mamudou Khan of Jokadou West board chairperson called for more resource mobilization and networking to strengthen youth participation in life skills development.
