Young People in the Media (YPM) on Saturday held its Inter-School Literary Competition at the Marina International School Hall in Fajara.

The competition brought together schools like St. Peters Upper Basic, Gambia Methodist Academy, St. Thereses Upper Basic School, Ndow's Comprehensive School, among others to debate and to develop strong messages through drama, recitation of poems and performing arts, on the theme "Youth Progress Begins With Discipline".

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kadijatou Fofana the president of YPM, revealed that the association is legally registered and aims to support and consolidate the efforts of young people working towards social justice, promoting the rights of the child, Pan-Africanism and peace. She added that YPM is a non-political and non-profit making organisation, and was formed in 2006.

Oumie Jallow, the National director SOS Children's Village, said discipline is the key in education and is one of the first good attitudes of every human being. She added that discipline starts at home, from the parents to the child in order for them to be good citizens of the country and servants of God.

Jallow emphasised that discipline is not a cloth, but runs in the blood, and is unchangeable on the person. She identified Muhammed Jah, the QCELL boss as an example of a disciplined and hardworking young Gambian who is successful. For his part, Abdou Jatta of YPM remarked that young people are influenced by what they see around them and the lesson and behaviours they are taught or shown in homes, schools, in the community, in the media, on the streets and other areas.

He also said YPM The Gambia believes that young people have the capacity, potential, courage and expertise to make greater headway in the media if they are given the maximum support and encouragement by government, private sector as well as all other sectors of society.

Other speakers include Zono Jammeh, Principal of St. Thereses Upper Basic School and Marcel Mendy, the executive secretary of the National Youth Council (NYC).At the end of the competition, winners were awarded giant prizes and certificates.