By Dawda Jallow
The Jiffarong Youth Development Association (JYDA) will hold its first Annual General Meeting on 13–14 June in Jiffarong, bringing together residents to discuss development priorities and other community issues.
The meeting is being held under the theme “Jiffarong Njen-julu-kiling” (Unity for Development).
Organizers said the two-day gathering would provide a platform for community dialogue aimed at strengthening unity and identifying key development needs.
Speaking ahead of the event, JYDA Chairperson Baba Njie says the association which dates back to the 1980s, was initially run by Jiffarong natives based in Kombo, but has since evolved to allow broader participation from all citizens of the village.
He said the association previously operated with elders playing an advisory role, while members focused on mobilizing support for community development initiatives.
Mr Njie added that the association has been saving funds intended to improve living standards in the village, and described the AGM as timely given ongoing development needs.
He said priorities include the completion of the village market, support for a hospital project, forestry initiatives, and road rehabilitation, particularly routes that become difficult to access during the rainy season. He also mentioned support for two madrasas and an English school as part of the agenda.
He called on all Jiffarong natives to attend the meeting, describing it as an important opportunity for collective decision-making on the village’s development path.