YCP (Youth Consortium for Progress) invites Net Impact the Gambia as a panelist for a Panel Discussion on Illicit Drugs and Drug Trafficking on the theme Let’s Develop Our Lives, Our Communities, Our Identities without Drugs
Date: 31st August 2015
Venue: American Corner
Time: 3 p.m-6 p.m.
Absa Samba, Member of YCP chaired the event.

She opened the event with prayers. Then, she went through the agenda. The president of YCP, Bubaccar A. Baldeh made a welcoming remark. Firstly, he welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for attending the event. Then, he briefly introduced the event. He stated that it is an annual event where participants from schools, youth organizations as well as health personnel, drug enforcement officials and the community at large are invited to partake in the discussion. He also stated that it is organized in partnership with FDA (Fortress of Development for Africa) and with support from DLEA (Drug Law Enforcement Agency) and the American Embassy. He also emphasized the importance of the event, stating that it collaborated with government efforts to create a drug free environment. Bubaccar Kebbeh, a representative from KMYC (Kanifing Municipal Youth Council) gave a statement on drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking by youth. He emphasized the importance of the event as drug abuse amongst youth is a serious issue here. He stated that it has many adverse effects for youth and society, leading to crime, health problems, and environmental problems. Unemployment and other social issues. Then, Alison Oldfield, a representative from Net Impact-The Gambia gave a statement on young people, drug abuse and health. She recounted the adverse physical and mental health effects of various drugs and also highlighted the social issues associated with drug abuse. She also emphasized the addictiveness of drugs and the ignorance of young people towards the harmfulness of drugs Then, Bubaccar Baldeh gave a statement on legal issues and health implications of drug abuse and illicit drugs. He reinstated previous points mentioned. He emphasized the harmfulness and adversity associated with drug abuse and promoted living a drug free life. Lamin Hassan, a representative from Second Chance gave a testimony. Lamin Hassan is a former drug addict who turned his life around; He recently formed an organization- Second Chance to support former drug addicts. He gave an account of his life as a drug addict which lead to other problems-crime, unemployment, homelessness, family problems and other social problems. He emphasized the addictiveness of drugs, recounting his difficulties with refraining from taking drugs. He stated that the support from friends/family and rehab aided his recovery. He stressed that drug abuse is a disease, a mental illness. Therefore, people need to show care and empathy towards people with a drug addiction, offering them support and help. Afterwards there was a question and answer session. There was a review of the 2014 Declaration. Closing remarks were made by member of YCP, Maimuna Bah. She thanked everyone for involved in the event and reinstated key points made by previous speakers. Absa Samba closed the meeting with final remarks and prayers. There was a group photo.