15 April 2008
Given that the average age of the Gambia's population is just 17.8 years, it is perhaps only fair that the country should devote an entire festival to its young people.
Gambia's National Youth Conference and Festival, Nayconf, is to take place at Farafenni in northern Gambia in December this year.
The theme for this year's festival is Invest in Youth for Sustainable Development, suggesting that Gambia's major strength relies on its youth and dynamism.
Malang Jassey, director of youth and sports, told the Point: "Nayconf is a forum where the views of young people are taken into consideration and talents are identified in the area of sports."
The event will include a conference, various sporting activities, cultural shows and performances, a carnival, an award ceremony, and a beauty contest, all organised by the Nayconf National Organising Committee.