By Mariama Marong
In an effort to raise awareness among young people about their rights and responsibilities, Kudang Apex, in partnership with ActionAid International The Gambia through the Young People for Inclusion (YPI) project, recently conducted a four-day civic education training for 40 youths in Central River Region–South. The training, held at the Bansang Youth Centre, was themed “Roots for Leadership: Civic Education for Youths.”
Phillip Gomez, Civic Education Officer based in Janjanbureh, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing that his office, as an apolitical institution, is mandated to educate citizens on their civic duties. “We are not representing any political party,” he said. “Civic education is essential. People, especially young people, should know about their rights and take responsibility in adhering to them.”
Gomez added that an informed citizenry is key to national development. “Young people must take up their civic duties for the betterment of the country,” he urged.
Ebrima Kinteh, Regional Administrator for the National Human Rights Commission in URR and CRR, described the training as timely and significant. Speaking on civic values, he said: “Educating Gambians is really difficult because they are not ready to learn and change. It will be very difficult to teach people what is wrong or bad if they are not willing.”
Kinteh stressed the need for leadership by example, saying, “People’s attitudes in this country will change if leaders lead by sitting good examples. Honesty is the highest form of value.” He urged young people to embrace constructive criticism and avoid being used as tools for political agendas. “Civic education has no barriers. We must all participate. As citizens, we must have good values if we want development.”
He also called for national unity and tolerance, especially among the youth. “We need to promote harmony to reduce social conflict and tension in society,” Kinteh said, adding that discipline and respect for elders are core civic values.
Jim Lowe, Regional Youth Coordinator at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, reiterated the role of young people in shaping national discourse. “Youth participation is key,” he said. “Civic education teaches us about rights and duties in line with the law. We need to understand the constitution and engage in actions that are of value.”
Lowe cautioned young people against divisive politics. “We cannot build a healthy society if young men and women are intolerant. Many youths today lack a sense of direction, and that needs to be addressed.”
Amat Mbye, Coordinator of Kudang Apex, emphasized that empowering young people with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensuring their inclusion in decision-making at all levels. “This project seeks to nurture youth leadership and initiative for sustainable growth,” he said.
Mambiran Sawaneh of ActionAid International The Gambia reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to a rights-based approach to development. “Young people are at the center of human development because they play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable society,” he noted.
The training is expected to equip participants with the tools and confidence to become active citizens and future leaders in their communities.
