YJAG fundraising show postponed to July 1

Reports gathered have confirmed the postponement of the fundraising show of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG). The show which was initially slated for June 24 2011, has been shifted to July 1st due to reasons beyond the control of the organising committee.  Speaking on the postpostment of the fundraising show, YJAG president Assan Sallah said the event will be electrified by the famous Senegalese drummer, Sheikh Faal and Group as planned.
 The Daily Observer news editor said the fundraising dance will still be held at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding and funds generated from it will be used to fund the activities of the association such as training of young journalists.



According to Mr Sallah, the event is meant to gather more funds for the association to embark on more capacity building programmes for its members.
 All YJAG members are therefore expected to attend and contribute effectively towards the success of the fundraising show, he said, calling on the general public to patronize the association and support the young journalists to achieve their objectives.
 “We decided to postpone it due to the Gambia Press Union congress which will be held from the 24 to 26 June 2011,” he said.
 For his part, Nfamara Jawneh, founding president of YJAG, said there are many journalists associations in The Gambia that are today trailing behind YJAG owing to its achievements registered in just a short while since it came into existence.
 The Point newspaper 1st deputy editor-in-chief said YJAG has come a long way and has achieved a lot in boosting the morale of young journalists. The former YJAG president called on members to remain united, committed and open to one another.
 Coming up with this laudable initiative is a step in the right direction, he noted, urging the association’s members to attend the show.
Mr Jawneh said that members should pay their dues on time and should serve as goodwill ambassadors of the association, as “history will judge” them.
 He also reminded new members that YJAG “is an independent and non-profit-making” association that is registered at the Attorney General’s Chambers.
 The senior journalist called on members of the association to be familiar with the policies and constitution of the association, saying they should also maintain their integrity, be responsible and always observe the ethics and principles of journalism.
 “Since no association can survive without funding I think this kind of activities should always be organised,” Mr Jawneh said.
 YJAG 1st vice-president Aminata Sanneh, in her remarks, called on members to take the association’s activities seriously. The Daily Observer reporter added that it is only through cooperation and dedication that they can achieve their aims and objectives.
 YJAG is a journalist association formed by young dedicated journalists on 16 September 2007 with members from media outlets across the country.
 The main aim of YJAG is to foster unity among young journalists and promote their welfare. It also aims at enhancing the capacities of its members through training, for them to become responsible journalists and contribute their quota to national development.
 “In fulfillment of these aims and objectives, the fundraising event is geared towards raising funds for the association so it can effectively carry out its activities and programmes,” said Haddija Jawara, chairperson of the organising committee in an earlier interview with this paper.
 Meanwhile, a special Asobee is still on sale for the event and those interested can contact Haddija Jawara or Aminata Sanneh.