By: Alieu Ceesay
Youth associations in the Lower River Region (LRR) have called for increased government and development stakeholder support, citing insufficient funding and limited capacity-building opportunities as obstacles to their impactful contributions to regional development.
At a recent interface organized by ActionAid International The Gambia, LRR Sports Association executive member Isatou Wone raised concerns about the challenges faced by local sports organizations due to a lack of financial resources.
“The lack of funding is severely affecting the LRR Sports Committee,” Wone stated in an interview with The Alkamba Times. She expressed that financial support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports is essential for mobilizing resources and facilitating key projects, saying, “We cannot hold quarterly meetings or implement key projects without it.”
The two-day Technical Advisory Committee meeting culminated in the interface, bringing together local youth leaders, women, regional stakeholders, and representatives from various government ministries and NGOs.
The event aimed to foster dialogue and address the pressing needs of LRR youth, underscoring the importance of collaboration in promoting regional growth and development.
The initiative aimed to foster inclusive dialogue, enhance transparency, and strengthen collaboration between rights holders and duty bearers. Participants engaged in direct discussions with institutional representatives, allowing them to understand their roles better while raising community concerns regarding infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Lamin S. Ceesay from the Kiang Julafaar Youth and Sports Association emphasized the need to rehabilitate Kemoto Motel, proposing that such improvements could boost tourism and create job opportunities for local youth. “If renovated, it would be a hub for youth engagement and livelihood improvement,” he noted.
In response to the concerns raised, representatives from various institutions provided clarifications, made commitments, and indicated their intention to follow up with higher authorities.
Additionally, Fabakary Sanneh, the Regional Youth Coordinator for LRR, suggested that a portion of the national sports budget be allocated to regional youth development. He argued that this would facilitate direct support for young people, such as access to sports gear, without being hindered by challenges at the national level.
Landing B. Sanneh, Chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council, acknowledged the convergence as a significant opportunity for community engagement and accountability. He stated, “This isn’t about auditing local authorities; it’s about creating a space for dialogue,” emphasizing the importance of understanding community expectations and incorporating them into future planning.
Saikou Darboe, Manager of the Local Rights Programme at ActionAid International The Gambia, highlighted the need to bridge the communication gap between institutions and citizens. “There’s limited information flow between duty bearers and right holders,” he remarked, noting that the interface serves as a mechanism for enhancing accountability.
Darboe encouraged residents to maintain their engagement with stakeholders while urging institutions to be responsive and transparent in their interactions with the public.
The event concluded with participants acknowledging the importance of ongoing dialogues and expressing appreciation to ActionAid International The Gambia for creating a platform that promotes open communication, community participation, and responsive governance.
