The First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, has held a town hall meeting with hundreds of youths from the Sarahulleh (Soninke) community at the National People’s Party (NPP) headquarters in Bundung, as part of efforts to complement President Adama Barrow’s national development agenda under the YIRIWA initiative.

During the meeting, the First Lady urged the youths to uphold the peace and multi-ethnic harmony for which The Gambia is known. She also acknowledged the positive trend in girls’ school enrolment and highlighted the importance of continued investment in education.

She announced that scholarships would be provided to students who successfully complete their Grade 12 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), enabling them to pursue further studies at tertiary institutions or undertake vocational skills training.

Several speakers expressed appreciation to the First Lady for attending the meeting and offering guidance and encouragement to the youths. They reaffirmed their support for President Barrow and commended the development projects implemented across the Upper River Region (URR).

Among the projects highlighted were the Basse–Fatoto–Koina road network and the construction of bridges in Basse-Wuli, Fatoto, Chamoi and Suduwol. They also cited the expansion of electricity to communities across the region as part of efforts to improve access to essential services.

Other developments mentioned included the Garawol–Kusum road project, investments in agricultural infrastructure, the livestock watering facility in Dingiri, and the construction of a new Governor’s Office and Residence in Basse.

The youths welcomed the development interventions, noting that improved road connectivity, agricultural infrastructure and access to electricity could support livelihoods, strengthen economic activities and improve access to essential services across the region.