NYSS - The Gambia

26/10/2026

NYSS Staff Participate in Seminar on Youth Startup and Leadership for The Gambia in China

Two staff members of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) have joined officials from the Ministry of Youth & Sports to participate in the Seminar on Youth Startup and Leadership for The Gambia.

The seminar provides an opportunity for participants to engage in knowledge exchange, explore approaches to youth entrepreneurship and leadership development, and learn from experiences that can contribute to youth empowerment and sustainable development in The Gambia.

The participation of NYSS staff reflects the Scheme’s continued commitment to strengthening the capacity of its personnel, broadening their professional exposure, and enhancing their understanding of innovative approaches to youth development.

The NYSS remains committed to empowering young Gambians through skills development, capacity building, and initiatives that promote self-reliance, leadership, and active participation in national development.

06/10/2026

TONIGHT AT 9:00 PM — TUNE IN TO QTV!

What role is the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) playing in preparing young Gambians for the future?

Tonight on State of Affairs, host Alieu Ceesay sits down with Lala Touray, our deputy Executive Director, for an important and timely conversation on:

“Is NYSS Really Preparing Gambian Youth for the Future?”

The discussion will take a closer look at the Scheme’s programmes, achievements, challenges, impact, and strategic direction in empowering young Gambians with the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to navigate an ever-changing future.

Don’t just hear about youth empowerment — hear directly from NYSS on what is being done, why it matters, and where the Scheme is headed.

23/09/2026

23/09/2026

CONGRATULATORY AND APPRECIATION MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NYSS

It is with immense pleasure, pride, and gratitude that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 245 young Gambians of the 16th Batch of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) on the successful completion of their orientation and formal swearing-in as members of the Scheme.

This achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, one that comes with opportunities, but also responsibility. Through NYSS, we seek not only to equip young Gambians with skills, but also to instill discipline, patriotism, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and a spirit of national service.

I wish to sincerely appreciate the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports and the entire Ministry, as well as the Government of The Gambia, for their continued leadership, guidance, and commitment to youth empowerment and skills development.

I also extend my profound appreciation to Mr. Muhammed Jah and QGroup for their generous support, including the donation of D100,000 and smartphones to recognize outstanding corps members. Your gesture is a meaningful encouragement to our young people to strive for excellence.

I equally recognize and appreciate the invaluable support of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) throughout the orientation programme. Your contribution to instilling discipline, teamwork, fitness, responsibility, and a spirit of service has been an important part of preparing these young Gambians for the journey ahead.

My sincere appreciation also goes to all the Regional authorities, Regional Youth and Sports Coordinators and their staff, the NYSS Board, Management and Staff, our partners, stakeholders, parents, guardians, and all individuals who contributed to the successful implementation of the 16th Batch TVET programme.

To the 245 members of the 16th Batch, I say congratulations and welcome to the NYSS family. As you move forward, carry with you the lessons and values you have acquired. Remain disciplined, respectful, hardworking, innovative, and committed to serving your communities and country.

Serve with discipline. Lead with integrity. Work with purpose. And make The Gambia proud.

Once again, congratulations to the 16th Batch, and thank you to everyone who contributed to making this milestone a success.

Long Live NYSS.
Long Live the Youth of The Gambia.
Long Live The Gambia.

17/09/2026

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, has said the National Youth Service Scheme is helping young Gambians develop discipline, practical skills, and a clearer sense of direction as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Mr. Badjie spoke in an interview with QTV on Wednesday, a day after 245 new members of the NYSS were sworn in following a month-long orientation program.

“They leave there becoming more disciplined and more committed to what they’re doing, but also more focused in terms of what they want for themselves and for the country,” Mr. Badjie said.

The minister said participants are recruited from across the country with the involvement of local authorities before being brought to Bakau for a month of residential orientation.

The training, conducted with the support of the Gambia Armed Forces, includes drills, discipline, teamwork, health education, and other life skills. Mr. Badjie said the military-style component is intended to instill a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and cooperation among participants.

He said many young people enter the program with limited exposure to concepts such as teamwork and national service but show noticeable changes by the end of the orientation.

Read the full story at the link posted in the comments.

17/09/2026

16/09/2026

Deployment of Corps Members to Their Respective Skill Centres

Following their swearing-in ceremony, members of the 16th Batch of the NYSS TVET Programme have commenced deployment to their respective skill centres across the country.

The 245 young people will now begin their technical and vocational training, where they will acquire practical skills and knowledge to enhance their employability, entrepreneurship opportunities, and contribution to national development.