Youth Organization of Gambia (YOG) Celebrates Gambian Culture Night

In the quest of raising awareness about Gambian Culture and their vision as a community organization, the Youth Organization of Gambia (YOG) successfully celebrated a Gambian Cultural Night on Friday February 19, 2010 at the West Bronx Recreation Center, Bronx, New York City.

The colorful historic occasion indeed manifested a bright future and great future that holds for the tiny West African nation. It has further brought to light that change is indeed progressively taking shape across socio-political contours of the tiny West African nation.

It is worth noting that YOG was formed by First Generation Young Gambian -American Youths who are determined to bring progressive change across Gambian Communities both in New York City and grass roots communities in The Gambia, West Africa.

Vision and Mission of YOG

We are Youth in New York City with the vision and goal of improving The Gambia which is indeed of helping hand, and improving the education, health and living conditions of those in The Gambia. In addition, we seek to build a strong foundation in NYC FOR Gambian-Americans, and to educate and empower the Gambian-American Community by providing resources.

Goals of YOG

Empowering Gambian American community through education; becoming role models to younger generation Gambian American Youth and Children; Advocate social justice issues; Implement  Change and Community Development; Advocate for the legislation of a city wide observance of Muslim Holidays; Organize Workshops; Organize annual community events and gatherings; The creation of a YOG main site in NYC and a future branch in The Gambia.

Following the welcoming remarks and introduction of the organization (YOG), the recitation of the Gambian Anthem, a brilliant chronicling of Gambian History, speeches by prominent Gambian community leaders and recitation of poems were the hallmark of the historic occasion.

The occasion indeed epitomizes the progressive transformations shaping people and communities around the world. Hearing slogans such as “Together we can,” and “Implementing change through knowledge and empowerment,” from a youth organization comprising of 15-19 year old young female first Generation Gambian Americans, indeed represents the great potentials and pace of change taking shape across Gambian communities.  

In view of the noble and philanthropic cause envisioned by such group of young females with a third world background, it is important that Gambians and Non-Gambians alike, Foundations, Community organizations, Private Businesses and Individuals provide all the support required to propel YOG to higher heights.

Members of Youth Organization of The Gambia includes: Maro Gumaneh, Hawa Jabbie, Assatou Lome, Aminata Pinkay, Fatoumata Waggeh, Magou Camara, Isatou Touray, Assatou Fofanah, Neuma Sillah, Mariama Camara, Teeda Sawaneh, and Nyumasatou Juwara, Isatou Bat- chilly, Hawa Gumaneh, Haja Sumbundu, Fatoumata Cham, Hawa Jamekeh, and Amenata Bajaha.

Please contact Maro Goumaneh at 646-359-4192 or Assatou Lome at 646-578-1499, or by email at youth.organization.of.the.gambia@gmail.com  for further information about the organization.

By Binneh s Minteh, Former Gambian Army First Lieutenant

The author is an Independent Researcher, Analyst and Consultant. He also produces The Sword of Truth at http://www.sofawarrior.blog.com/. You can reach him at bsm235@nyu.edu.