By: Haruna Kuyateh
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) Representative for Basse Constituency, who also serves as the Regional Coordinator for the President’s International Award (PIA), has highlighted the crucial role of youths in promoting the rule of law, human rights, and grassroots development advocacy. Hon. Foday Sanyang described 2024 as a year of significant progress, particularly celebrating the recent ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which was welcomed by the NYP.
Hon. Sanyang made these remarks during an interview with The Voice in Manneh Kunda, Basse, Upper River Region, on Tuesday.
He reflected on the achievements and challenges of 2024, discussing the potential impact of various interventions on the youth population. As a parliamentarian, he noted that a series of campaigns were held focusing on human rights, the draft constitution, and harmful traditional practices with the aim of safeguarding and promoting the fundamental rights of women and children.
Looking back on the year, Hon. Sanyang shared that prior to the 2024 National Youth Parliament’s Ordinary Session, several radio talk shows were organized to raise awareness about the role and functions of the NYP. One key resolution passed during this session called for the government, through the Ministry of the Interior, to address the need for the commercialization of motorcycles under the Motor Traffic Act. This move is expected to create employment opportunities for youths and contribute to enhanced safety and security.
On the topic of skills acquisition for youths, particularly at the Basse Campus, Hon. Sanyang emphasized that the PIA Act of 2015 aims to empower young people by implementing award programs in schools, communities, and even prisons. The objective is to foster the development of better and more capable leaders for the nation. He stressed that the PIA program focuses on building self-belief, confidence, a sense of identity, initiative, responsibility, and awareness. It also aims to develop new talents, leadership abilities, team-working skills, problem-solving capabilities, as well as presentation and communication skills.
Hon. Sanyang challenged the youth of the Upper River Region (URR) and beyond to embrace skills development and contribute meaningfully to national progress. He further outlined the three levels of the PIA award—bronze, silver, and gold—which require youths to complete various mandatory sections, including physical recreation, volunteering service, skills and interests, and expeditions.
For 2024, the pilot school units have successfully completed the mandatory sections of physical recreation, expedition, and volunteering services for all award levels, setting a strong foundation for the future of the program.
