The Government of The #Gambia has made youth empowerment and development a top priority in its Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023-2027. As part of NDP Strategic Priority 7, the goal is to increase the number of youth-friendly centers nationwide. These centers are designed to serve as entry points for youth development and platforms for engagement and empowerment. The National Youth Council – The Gambia (NYC), under the Ministry of Youth & Sports, is at the forefront of coordinating and delivering this key strategic initiative.
Recently, the Vice President His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow visited the Bansang Youth Centre, which is supported by UNFPA The Gambia. The center provides essential services such as sexual and reproductive health care for youth, administrative support, and community sensitization. Mr. Karamo Tambajang, the center’s manager, guided the VP on a tour of the facility. During the visit, the Executive Director of NYC, Mr. Alhaji Jarju, highlighted the center’s various activities and contributions to youth development in the region.
Mr. Jarju further emphasized that in line with the RF-NDP 2023-2027, IMVF and partners, in collaboration with NYC, are committed to strengthening the capacities of youth centers. This includes the development of a comprehensive Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) to provide guidelines for the establishment, operation, and management of self-sustaining youth-friendly centers. The SOP will also cover monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance to ensure these centers can effectively serve the youth community across the country.
