By Amadou Manjang
ActionAid International -The Gambia has trained 25 journalists, bloggers and influencers for the positive promotion of youth inclusion in civic space. The training is part of the organisation’s project to empower marginalized youth for them to be included in the civic space and within the local infrastructure for peace (YPI).
According to Amadou W. Jallow, the Communications Coordinator of ActionAid International, the training which is funded by the United Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF), comes at a decisive moment when youth participation in governance has never been more important. He further added that the voice of the youth must be heard and that young people should be empowered through capacity building and training. He said their efforts compliment the efforts of the government on youth empowerment, and said ActionAid firmly believes that young people must be heard in national dialogues, policy formulation and civic engagements, and that the role of journalists cannot be overstated in youth empowerment and inclusion. He urged participants to commit themselves in ensuring that the youth are heard and seen. He said when the youth are given the right tools they can shape and drive societal change. He said the platforms of journalists, bloggers and influencers serve as powerful tools in sharing inspiring stories which advocate for youth inclusion.
The Chairperson of Mansa Konko Area Council, Landing B. Sanneh, said all stakeholders should endeavour in empowering young people, and said as a local council, they are tasked to provide services to the people including the youth. He said there is need for young people to be in decision making institutions, adding that they need to build their capacities for effective participation.
He encouraged journalists and bloggers to share information on youth participation in the civic space by shaping narratives and by reporting on issues that affect young people as well as their positive works.
