ECOWAS STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH INCLUSION THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ECOWAS CLUB AT INEFJA IN THIÈS (SENEGAL)

As part of the third phase of the ECOWAS Connect programme, launched by the Communication Directorate of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and in collaboration with the ECOWAS Club of Iba Der Thiam University of Thiès, a day dedicated to sharing, solidarity and the promotion of regional integration was held on 24 June 2026 at the National Institute for the Education and Training of Blind Youth (INEFJA) in Thiès, Senegal.

This initiative, led by ECOWAS Youth Ambassadors, is fully in line with the vision of an “ECOWAS of the Peoples”, which places inclusion, education, civic participation and equal opportunities at the heart of its actions.

The highlight of the event was the official establishment of the ECOWAS Club of INEFJA, marking a new milestone in promoting Community ideals among young people living with visual impairments. The ceremony featured the presentation of the statutes and mandate of ECOWAS Clubs, the election of the Club’s executive members, remarks by the Institute’s management and students, as well as a slam performance specially written and performed by INEFJA students in tribute to ECOWAS. The event concluded with the presentation of donations and a commemorative group photograph dedicated to the Organisation.

The establishment of this Club reflects the shared commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of ability, can become an active stakeholder in regional integration, peace and sustainable development. Established in schools and universities, ECOWAS Clubs are designed to raise young people’s awareness of the values of solidarity, citizenship, peace and regional integration while promoting a better understanding of the history, geography and cultural diversity of West Africa.

This activity builds on ECOWAS’ continued support for INEFJA. On 13 February 2026, during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, Her Excellency Mrs Zelma Nobre Fassinou, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, handed over educational materials to the Institute with financial support from the West African Health Organization (WAHO), in the presence of delegations from the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

On that occasion, the Resident Representative stressed that “Education is not a privilege; it is a right and a fundamental pillar of human dignity,” while emphasizing that ensuring access to quality education for children living with disabilities remains an essential prerequisite for building a more just and inclusive society.

The particularly warm welcome extended to the ECOWAS Club delegation, together with the many expressions of gratitude from the management and students of INEFJA, reflects the lasting impact of ECOWAS initiatives within the institution. It also demonstrates the confidence placed in the Organisation’s mission to bring the peoples of West Africa closer together around the shared values of solidarity, inclusion and human development.

Through the ECOWAS Connect programme, the ECOWAS Commission continues to strengthen youth engagement in regional integration and to promote active, inclusive and united West African citizenship. By encouraging the participation of all young people, including those living with disabilities, ECOWAS reaffirms its conviction that the sustainable development of the region depends on a fully empowered and engaged youth committed to building the future of the Community.

Cette version emploie la terminologie officielle de la Commission de la CEDEAO en anglais (ECOWAS), notamment les formulations “ECOWAS of the Peoples”, “Resident Representative”, “establishment of the ECOWAS Club”, “stakeholder in regional integration” et “West African citizenship”, couramment utilisées dans les communiqués et discours de l’Organisation.