By Adama Makasuba

At least 20 youths on Friday completed a three-day intensive training on peace building and leadership skills development.

The training organized by MAA Foundation aimed at boosting the capacities of the youths towards building peace in the country.

Speaking to journalists at SASS Cosmetology House in Kairaba Avenue, Joseph Akagha, a trainer and project coordinator, said “It is deemed relevant because peace is an inevitable ingredient for national development.”

He described the training as very important adding that “the Gambia has a youth population and the population of these young people anchors and strengthens the nation.”     

He said as the Gambia fast track to development that MAA Foundation deemed it necessary to build the capacity of the youths to foster their inputs in national development.

Siaka Sonko, a trainee, said the training would help him to fully represent his community and the Gambia. He added that “the training will strengthen my partnership with other youths.”

Another trainee, Jainaba Fatty, urged Gambians to stop using the word “militant” as it means “fighter.”

She said: “Let us not be party militants, let us be supporters than militants because we cannot be fighting for politicians. We have to fight for ourselves because it’s better than being party militants.”

She said despite having peace in the Gambia some sectors needed a training in peace building.

“Of course there is peace in The Gambia but there are other areas which need more peace and I have learnt some strategies to bring peace to those sectors,” she said.  

The participants received certificates for attending the training on peace building and leadership skills development.