By Saikou Suwareh Jabai
The National Coordinator of the Network of Organization for the Development of Children and Youth (NODCY), Edrissa Cham, has noted that in order for any effective grassroot development to take place, there must be a collective duty from all stakeholders.
He made this pronouncement Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Kombo North Federation during a joint familiarization visit with the Child Fund Alumni Association (CFAA) to discuss with the Federation Management, Board and the Youth on issues confronting them.
‘’ There could be no meaningful community advancement without the full participation of all, as it requires a united responsibility by all,’’ he said.
Cham further told the gathering that both NODCY and CFAA are working with the Child-Fund the Gambia to help the communities as well as their sponsored and enrolled children within the sponsorship of the respective Federations to promote development through sponsorship and community participation as sponsorship is the lifeblood of Child-Fund and affiliated Federations.
He also lauded the Federations for their stand towards playing an integral role in the promotion of the welfares of the children and their respective communities. He described the Kombo North Federation as one of the advocates among the six Federations on the protection, promotion and the advancement of the health status of the children and their families.
Lamin Ibrahim Sonko, NODCY Board Chairperson, delivering the opening remarks, urged the local partners to be committed towards the progress of both NODCY and CFAA. He said the two institutions are all working towards the sustainable development of the communities and their children in all shapes of the operations under the Child-Fund the Gambia.
Alieu Mendy, Federation Manager, Kombo North, described the visit as timely and vital noting that it would avail the Federation to know more about the NODCY and CFAA operational modes as well as to share and thrash out issues that are of pertinent to both. “Coming to the grassroot people and discuss with them is key,’’ he noted.
Alssana Badjie, CFAA Chairperson, stated that as ex sponsors, their wish is to partner with all the Federations and also plough back their experience to the communities as well as to complement the efforts of their sponsors, Child-Fund and Federations for their support rendered to them during their childhood days.
Dembo Kuyateh Kombo North Federation Child and Youth Officer, Amie Loppy Jaiteh, Matta Bobb, Binta Daffeh, Karafa L Badjie, all commended the NODCY and CFAA for such a visit describing it as genuine and educative since it would be an added value to the understandings of the people on their operational modes.
