In collaboration with ENCISS, the Centre for the Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA) yesterday 19th November 2009 ended a two-day national youth dialogue on the draft National Youth Commission Bill, at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium in Freetown.

In his statement, the Coordinator of Campaign for Good Governance, Madam Valnora Edwin noted that the session was very timely as it will give youths the opportunity to understand the Bill and make their inputs. She added that the intervention of a legal practitioner to interpret the Bill provides youth the opportunity to effectively participate in the process. She however called on youths to stop politicizing the issue of the youth commission, adding that it is an issue of national interest that boarder on the welfare of youths in the country, irrespective of political party.

She pointed out that Sierra Leone is bigger than any political party, whilst urging the youths to be united and speak with one voice in order for their views and recommendations to be respected by politicians.

Assistant Executive Director of ENCISS, Mr. Ernest Cummings, said his organization was happy to provide technical and financial assistance to an active CSO like CCYA, whilst describing the National Youth Commission Bill as a positive step to the formation of the Commission.

Programme Officer CCYA, Mr. Edward Massaquoi revealed that the dialogue forum was aimed at engaging youths from all over the country on the draft NYC Bill so that they can understand its content and identify loopholes in the Bill.