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Happenings in the YMCA January 2011

The Gambia YMCA has started 2011 on a very bright note with the inauguration of new committees at the National Board level of the Gambia YMCA and a lot of planning and preparation are also taking place towards the partners and resources mobilization conference later in the year.

Below are some key highlights of events so far developed prepared by our Programme Coordinsator, Mr Joseph Peacock:

Graduation Ceremony Greater Banjul Area - The BLF Funded Project for Greater Banjul Area conducted a successful graduation ceremony for 119 beneficiaries who completed their six - nine months training in various skills areas. I wish to extend our sincere appreciation for all the support.

Graduation Ceremony West Coast Region - The BLF Funded Project Officer for West Coast Region in Brikama will hold its graduation ceremony for 156 beneficiaries on Friday 11th February at 2:30pm at the Gambia College Hall. You are all invited to attend.

YMCAs Finland Visit - A group of 26 persons from Finland YMCAs comprising ten young people visited the Gambia YMCAs from 06th - 20th January 2011. They were involved in a series of activities which culminated to the visit to the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia. The YMCA Finland through the Finland Foreign Ministry is supporting the Takku Liggey Skills Training Project which has just ended in 2010 but got the blessing of a three years extension.

Gambia Board YMCAs Sub Committee Meetings - Just to give you a quick reminder

Gambia YMCAs Basketball Lawn- Just to inform you that Gambia YMCAs basketball lawn has been renovated and will be open to full operations by the end of this week. A big thanks to you all for you support throughout this exercise. As we consolidate our position to have the best basketball team in the Gambia, it is my hope that with this face lift it will attract more young people who will eventually take up membership with the YMCAs as to increase our membership figure.

Material Support to The Juvenile Wing - Jeshwang Prisons - An assortment of carpentry and tailoring materials worth about D20,000.00 was handed over to the officials of the Juvenile Wing at the Jeshwant Prisons on Tuesday 01st February by the BLF Funded Project as part of the skill training material support for young inmates. the materials were well appreciated as it came at the right time said the Deputy Director General of Prision, The Assistant Director of Social Welfare advise the inmates to make good use of the items. Fr Tony Sonko representing the Gambia Christian Council Prisons Ministry hailed the good work of the YMCAs while acknowledging the need to support youth development.

Gambia YMCAs Micro Finance Committee- The Gambia YMCAs micro finance committee met on Friday 28th January 2011. Thirty business / loan applications were tabled before the committee from Greater Banjul Area, West Coast Region, Upper River Region and North Bank / Central River Region. Almost 80% of these application got positive approval. The next meetings is scheduled for 25th February 2011.

Finally, on behalf of the Programs and Development Unit i wish to sincerely thank you for your continuous support , advice and mentorship. It is our firm belief that together we will make Gambia a better place for youths.