DLEAG in collaboration with KEYCDA commenced a two days capacity building training for Executive Members of KEYCDA and selected youth and children representatives from Kombo East. Held at Kuloro Primary School, the training aims at building their capacity on matters relating to drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related activities. It also aims at widening their understanding on evidence based prevention strategies as well as foster cooperation between the Agency and the association.
It is expected that at the end of the two days training, participants will be equipped with evidenced based prevention strategies that can aid them contribute their quota in bridling drugs within the district and The Gambia at large
Speaking at the opening ceremony representative of the Association of Alkalos, Mr. Sanyang welcomed the participants and he extended commendation to DLEAG and KEYCDA for coming up with such a laudable initiative. He stated that drugs pose serious threat and challenge to nations across the globe and the region he said is not an exception. He revealed that the West Coast Region and Kombo East in particular is highly vulnerable because of its strategic location. He urged the participants to make best use of the training and share knowledge gained with others who may not the opportune to attend.
Dembo Kuyateh, KEYCDA’s Board Chairperson on his part expressed appreciation to the Management of DLEAG for their support in funding the training program. He disclosed that selected participants will serve as Ambassadors for Kombo East in their efforts to abate drugs within the District.
‘We have been engaged in several activities but today's own is indeed very crucial because illicit drug trafficking and abuse adversely affect youths and derail their progress and development’ stated Mr Kuyateh. He deliberated on the training objectives, expected outcomes and also highlighted some of the consequences of drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related activities.
Finally, he urged the participants to concentrate and take the training seriously because they will be used as resource persons in subsequent training programs as well as planned schools and community outreach programs.
Lamin Darboe, Former Executive Director of the National Youth Council (NYC) commended DLEAG and KEYCDA for the wonderful initiative. He disclosed that the training is one of the most important session he has attended since his return from studies because the training is geared towards abating an issue that affect youth and society.
According to Mr. Darboe drugs do not exist in isolation. It’s prevalence is highly associated with organized crimes and other cross cutting issues.
Finally, he advised the participants to consider the training as a stepping stone for them to learn and share knowledge gained with their colleagues because youths can play a pivotal role in abating drugs and related activities.
Superintendent Biran Jallow representative of Commissioner of Police WCR dilated on the effect of the drugs and urged participants to take the training seriously and share knowledge gained with others
Representing DLEAG’s Commissioner WCR, the Officer Commanding DLEAG’s Brikama field office Superintendent BOJANG also welcomed participants to the training. He stated that drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related activities affects the health and social well-being of people and society. The borders of the West Coast Region he stated are very porous. This he said makes Kombo East like other districts in the region vulnerable to the trafficking of drugs.
Finally, he indicated that DLEAG is concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of people and society and called on everyone to join the bandwagon so that we can to bridle drugs and associated menace from our communities.
