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About Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia
Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia is under development. Services will include:
- Background information about Youth Crime Watch
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Please check back for updates from the Gambia.
News from the Gambia
December 2007: YCW Gambia/Police Task Force to promote community-police relations
The Gambia Police Force in collaboration with Youth Crime Watch of Gambia held a one day youth and police task force orientation focusing on partnership between police and communities at the Nova Scotia Gambia association headquarters in Fajara. The orientation was aimed at bridging the gap between the people in the community and the police.
In his presentation, Abdul Jobe, director of YCW said partnership is the most essential tool in communition, adding that the task force committee will bring the police and the communities together in serving the welfare of the people. According to Mr. Jobe, the orientation targets youth as its first priority. Additional efforts will focus on the media. Mr Jobe also mention that he expects the task force to foster mutual understanding between the police and the communities.
For his part Cadet Ousman Kolley, director of the community based policing project agreed that trust and confidence between the police and the community is lacking, especially in giving information. According to him, it should the work of the people in the communities to report problems and suspicious activity to the police. This would help the police in executing their duties. He further went on to say that the communities should not take the police as their rivals, but should "understand that we are working for them and that we should work hand in hand to serve the country," he said.
Fatou Jeng, the CBP drama coordinator of NSGA highlighted the problems and envisioned a way forward for the project. She emphasized that the police should double their effort in a bid to break the barriers and achieve the set goals.
Sireh Jabang of the Gambia Police Force gave the closing remarks.
June 2007: YCW the Gambia Launches Third "Operation No Violence"
By Abdul Jobe: As we strive to promote a violence-free enviroment, we are swinging the pendulum into different sides to prevent any forms of violence. Operation No Violence, which has been a tradition in our programme calendar, was a great success in this year's inter secondary school athletics competition.
It can be recalled that this school competition has been very violent in the past and has claimed the lives of some students. Since the intervention of YCWG prevention strategies, the athletic competition has been a violence-free ground.
April 2007: YCWA recognizes Gambian President with award
April 4, 2007, Washington, DC – Youth Crime Watch of America, a NGO with twenty national affiliates across the globe all dedicated to creating crime-free and drug-free environments for learning and living through a youth-led movement, today presented an award for national leadership in youth crime prevention, the International Casey Award, to The Gambian President A.J. J. Jammeh.
The award was presented in person to the Gambian Ambassador to the United States, Dodou Bammy Jagne, by Youth Crime Watch of America Executive Director Terry Modglin, at the Gambian Embassy in Washington, DC. [Read more]
Spring 2007: 18th National Crime Prevention Conference and International Forum outcome kicks off in the Gambia
By Abdul Jobe: The 18th National Crime Prevention Conference and international Forum in Denver Colorado brough together youth from 33 U.S. states and several international locations to share inspiration, valuable skills, prevention knowledge, and resources in the fight against crime, violence, and drugs.
The Gambia having been part of this conference is now implementing the conference outcome in the Gambia. This is geared towards reaching out to the general youth populace who were not fortunate enough to be part of this year conference.
Firstly, the President of YCWG Abdul Jobe who represented the Gambia organized a training for YCWG members about the conference and how to implement some of the important workable strategies in the Gambia.
Secondly, major press conferences have been organized to reach out to the youth populace. Print and electronic media houses have played in great roles in this regard.
March 21-24, 2007, Denver, Colorado: The Gambia sends students to YCWA's international conference in Denver
YCWG's Abdul Jobe with Paul Rusesabagina, keynote speaker at the conference,
whose story inspired the film Hotel Rwanda.
The conference offered many opportunities for networking and sharing
experiences. Here, Abdul Jobe with Paul Rusesabagina (Rwanda)
and Emmanuel Sartie (Sierra Leone).
YCW the Gambia took part in the International Forum at the 18th National Youth Crime Prevention Conference in Denver, Colorado. See more photos from this event on the 2007 conference photo gallery.
January 2007: The Gambia focuses on youth and illegal migration
Participants in the January 13, 2007, forum on illegal migration from the Gambia
addressed such issues as brain drain and the Gambia's economic development.
Fourth from the right is Abdul Jobe, YCW Gambia.
The Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia on Saturday 13 January, 2007, organized a daylong forum on illegal migration at the Gambia Police Force headquarter in Banjul. The event brought together police and immigration officers with young people to discuss solutions to the growing epidemic of illegal migration.
Representing the Department of State for Youth Sport and Religious Affairs, Mambanyick Njie indicated that there is no doubt that illegal migration is a very risky undertaking, which has very serious implications in society. "I must emphasized at this juncture that under no circumstances should any youth undertake such a venture. Let us rise to the challenge, work hard and wait for the opportunity to get to Europe in a most decent and dignified manner," he said. Stepping in for the Immigration Department, Pa Dem Jarju, Cadet Superintendent of Immigration said our youth as the cream of development and a source of potential for Africa's progress must have a special place in the heart of our development strategies and actions. "We must invest more in human capital within the context of immigration phenomenon," he said. Superintendent Jarju added that as the country is aware of the impact of brain drain and diminishing workforce in all sectors, and conscious of the vulnerabilities involved in the process of illegal migration to Europe, the government of the Gambia has come up with strategies to address the issue, including employment opportunities, improved bilateral relations, and legal issues, among others. For the part of the GPF, Superintendent Aziz Bojang(PRO) on behalf of the IGP said they are stopping the youth to travel to Europe but let them use the legal means. He noted that youths involved in this illegal migration represent the cream of the society and the workforce. So losing them to greener pastures means a lot to the nation and has a direct repercussion on the productivity of country.
Abdul Jobe, President of YCWG expressed the opinion that the police cannot tackle the problem without the involvement of the youth who are at risk. He said a concerted effort in a more security and community friendly manner will help stem the scourge. He then advised youth to contribute to Gambian developmental strides.
October 2006: YCW the Gambia promotes a fair national elections process - participates as accredited observer
YCW acted as an accredited observer to the September 22 presidential election in the Gambia. The group was involved as part of a coalition of civil society organizations in partnership with West African Civil Society Forum WACSOF. This coalition is headed by WANEP-The Gambia and funded by the US Embassy in the Gambia for election observation.
The election transpired without violence. This can be attributed, in part, to the stance of political leaders, who have publicly endorsed a violence free election and encouraged people to turn out for the vote. YCW efforts, including sensitization programs before the election, have also put out the word to "say no to violence."
And the result? With 264,404 votes — 67.33% of the overall votes — President Yahya Jammeh has been re-elected as president of the Gambia.
May 2006: YCW the Gambia target 10,000 faces in arms campaign
YCW the Gambia have join forces with West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP Gambia) and other organizations to embark on The 10,000 Gambian Faces Campagn for inclusion in the Million Face Petition of the ongoing Arms Control Campaign.
The campaign is to collect photos and self-portraits of people in order to demonstrate to governments the need for "effective and urgent" action to control the arms trade, as well as present the one million faces around the world as a powerful visual message for enticing world’s governments to sign up to a global Arms Trade Treaty.
The president of YCWG, Abdul Jobe is leading the group for the campaign. Collected signatures and photos were later uploaded online.
April 2006: YCWG launched "Operation No Violence"
YCWG conducted a successful anti-violence campaign during the senior secondary schools athletic competition this month. In the past the competition has been the scene of violence claiming the lives of up to 20 students!
YCWG has student members from of the schools represented at the competition and they were in and out of the stadium throughout the event to monitor the situation. Searches at the entry gates resulted in the confiscation of weapons that some students were trying to bring inside.
The national school athletic committee sent a letter of appreciation to YCWG commending them for their efforts.
March 31, 2006: President Jammeh lauds YCWG Police/Student Forum initiatives
In his opening address to the national assembly on March 31, 2006, The
president of Gambia, His Excellency President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh,
made special mention of YCWG's efforts to bring students and police
to the same table through their unique police/student forum initiative.
The speech, which covered many important areas of concern to Gambia's citizens, was televized nationally. President Jammeh recognized YCWG efforts in his remarks on the interior.
"In early this year, the Gambia Police Force in collaboration with a local NGO called the Youth Crime Watch the Gambia, embarked on the first ever Police Student Forum. The forum which was held at the police headquarters in Banjul brought together police officers and students from Senior Secondary Schools in Banjul to a forum where they discussed common problem. Follow-up workshops were also conducted at three senior secondary schools; namely St. Joseph , St. Augustine and Gambia High Schools."
Full text of the President's remarks is available on the Gambian State House website.
March 2006: Bringing police and youth together
Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia has continued in its efforts to bring youth
and police to the same table with a series of school visits.
YCWG emphasizes the importance of community oriented policing as opposed to traditional, adversary forms of law enforcement.
"Everyone in the community and school have a distinct role to place to make their enviroment a better place to live and learn," says president and founder Abdul Jobe.
To that end, the school visits campaign brings police officers to schools (eight so far!) to answer students questions and hear their concerns in a forum setting. A student-police task force has resulted to look at new ways of addressing crime, drugs, and violence.
The campaign has attracted the favorable attention of national and local media - with television, radio, and print coverage.
Good work!
Jan 17, 2006: YCWG forum attempts to bridge the gap between police and students
Over 100 police, youth and students participated in day long forum at the Police Headquarters in Banjul on Tuesday, January 17. Organized by Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia (YCWG) in collaboration with the Gambian police force, the forum focused on bridging the gap between the police, youth and students in the country. The forum is the first of a series of programs, aimed at curtailing crime and ensuring better co-operation and understanding between the police and youth.
Speaking for the inspector-general of police, Abu Njie, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, lauded young people for their foresight in initiating the program adding that it shows the commitment of young people to their nation's development. According to him, the nation can only progress if it serves and invests in its youth. He also expressed his displeasure with the preventable lost of lives of young people because of crime.
Abdul Jobe, President of YCWG, urged young people to respect the law and to allow citizens to consider the police as law enforcement agencies. He noted that the police deserve respect in the execution of their duties, urging the police to reciprocate.
He thanked the police for their support and readiness to work with Gambian youth and students in the interest of peace and stability.
Speaking on behalf of teachers, Joseph Mendy, a teacher at St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School, described the forum as the best formula to defuse mistrust between the police, youth and students. He added that this climate of mistrust prepares the grounds for mishap and then urged both parties to subscribe to the dictates of consultation and negotiation, particularly on issues of common concern.
Stepping in for the students, Ms Aisha Keita, a student of JSSS, expressed hope that the issues discussed will be filtered down to their colleagues.
Novo Scotia Gambia Association performed a drama on the deep-rooted misconception that the police are enemies of progress.
Participants recommended the organization of more forums of this nature, noting that police should listen twice as much as civilians.
Two certificates of merit were given to the Gambia Police Force and ASP Azziz Bojang, the police Public Relation Officer.
Photos from the event:
Abdul Jobe handing over certificate to GPF and recieved by DIG of
Police Abou Njie
Abdul handing over a meritorious certificate to the police
PRO ASP
Aziz Bojang
Police, student and youth eating contest was won by a student
Police PRO taking the floor to open the dancing competition
Dancing competition competition won by a police officer
Cross section of YCWG members pose with Police PRO
(2 photos) Cross section of police, students and youth
High table: (left to right) Madame Audrey Persons
representing Nova Scotia; Pah Amady Jallow, Commisioner of Traffic;
Ousman Sanneh, Commisioner of Operations; Abou Njie, Deputy Inspector General
of Police; Baboucarr Sowe, Commisioner of Admistration
November 2005: Peer mediation in schools
After the completion of an intensive three-day training session on the restorative justice system, YCWG members are now certified mediators and are currently introducing peer mediation in schools accross the country.
Addressing students at St. Augustine Senior Secondary School, the president of YCW the Gambia chapter encouraged young people to get off the fence and work to ensure that their enviroment is free of crime, drugs and violence, which he says will be a hindrance to their education.
He went on to say that the restorative justice system, which involves the work of a mediator, is a better approach towards problem solving. "This justice system that will be introduced in all schools involves restoring the harm done to the satisfaction of the victim and the offender's job emphasized." He said youth should shoulder the responsibility to solve their own problems.
The public relations officer, Modou Njie, also spoke on the skills of good mediators and ethics. Gibou Sohna, a final year student of the school who is also heading the drug abuse department of YCWG called on all students to make the Gambia a better place to live and learn.
The principal also added his voice to the call.
Over 40 students are presently undergoing training in the schools and will be mediating among their peers.
September 2005: Training workshop in the Gambia
YCWG completed an intensive two-day training of trainers workshop on crime drugs and violence at the Gambia Press Union office, in Serrekunda on May 27-28, 2005.
The workshop attracted youth from across the country to be trained to act as resources in YCWG's campaign to build a society free of crime, drugs and violence.
In his opening remarks, Abdul Jobe encouraged young people to be active partners in developing and urge core members to work hand in hand so that the mission of YCW can be accomplished. He said the nine components is divided into WATCHING OUT and HELPING OUT which enhance quality of life for all community residents.
Dr Henry Carrol, registrar of companies at the attorney general’s chambers emphasized the need for citizens to report crimes. He said crime should be reported when it’s about to be committed or after it’s committed. "A citizen failing o report certain crimes can be an accomplice and be charge with the principal accused" he said "theft is the most common crime committed in the Gambia. The majority of prisoners are youths and I rely on your organization for a better change." A drama competition was also held at the end of the workshop.
Other speakers included Superintendent Modou Gaye, head of the Drug Squad at the police headquarters, who discussed drugs and their effects; Ebou Joof, Director of Youth and Sport, who spoke on administration and violence; and Superintendent Pah Amadou Jallow, Community Relations Officer and head of traffic at the Gambia Police Force, who addressed crime and community-police relations.
September 2005: YCW the Gambia meet with Minister of Youth and Sport
YCW the Gambia visited the Minister of Youth and Sport, the Honorable Samba Faal. YCWG president Abdul Jobe briefed the minister on activities of the organization, highlighting the relationship between the Gambia police force and YCWG and the active participation of YCWG in community based policing and peer mediation.
The minister praised members of YCW for what he described as a wonderful initiative. He vowed to support the organization in its efforts to build a better environment for all in the Gambia.
Also present at the meeting were the Honorable Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay member of the Gambia National Parliament, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sport and YCW members.
April 2005: Leader from the Gambia receives International Extra Mile Award from Youth Crime Watch of America
The International Extra Mile Award recognizes the hard work done by dedicated individuals to establish Youth Crime Watch programs in international settings. We recognize these individuals for accepting the challenge and "going the extra mile" in adapting the crime watch philosophy to local conditions. To them and all their brothers and sisters, Thank You!
Abdul Jobe
The efforts that Abdul Jobe from the Gambia toward implementing a Youth Crime Watch of the Gambia and his continued dedication to creating a safer environment for Gambian youth has earned him a 2005 International Extra Mile Award. We commend him on the leadership and commitment he has demonstrated, despite a complete lack of resources.
See other winners.
