By Abdoulie John
In a bid to instill a strong sense of duty and responsibility among young learners, the non-profit organization, Hope for the Future, on Saturday, organized a day-long interactive training session for students from various learning institutions across the Greater Banjul Area.
The program, which brought together up to 120 students from 21 schools, focused on the theme “The Power of Hard Work and Discipline.” Participants were accompanied by their teachers, who served as team leaders to guide group activities and discussions.
Delivering the main address, renowned Gambian campaigner Sirra Ndow emphasized that true success is never instantaneous.
“Success is not something that happens overnight,” Ndow told the attentive students. “Skills do not come automatically. To be successful, you need patience, observation, and communication skills. Learning is a continuous process, and all your engagements depend on discipline.”
Ndow urged the students to cultivate these values as foundations for personal and academic growth.
The training comes at a time when social media’s influence on young people is growing rapidly. Addressing this concern, Professor Ronke Grace Awopetu, Head of the Psychology Department at the University of The Gambia (UTG), cautioned students against the misuse of the internet.
While acknowledging that hard work remains the bedrock of success, Professor Awopetu stressed the need for responsible digital engagement.
“The use of social media for academic studies and career development must be confined within the parameters of building knowledge,” she said. “Be positive users of the internet, not the other way around. Set a goal when using social media. Ask yourself: ‘What am I doing with social media? Is it relevant?’ It should not become an endless trap.”
Other speakers reinforced the core message. Dwight Wilson, Big Splash Chief Coordinator at AU Watch, Solomon Atibuni, Coordinator of the Child Protection Alliance, and Reverend Jeremiah Swono all highlighted the importance of discipline, perseverance, and moral responsibility in the journey toward a successful future.
The interactive session featured group discussions, motivational talks, and practical exercises to equip students with the mindset and tools to overcome challenges in their academic and personal lives.
Organizers of Hope for the Future expressed hope that the training would inspire participants to become more focused, resilient, and purposeful in their pursuits.
