by Alhagie Babou Jallow & Jainaba Kargbo
The European Union through the IMVF TEKKI FII project recently concluded a three-day capacity development training for two batches of 25 beneficiaries on entrepreneurship and business entity concept. The training was held at Kaira Konko Conference Hall in the Lower River Region.
IMVF Teki fii aims to improve economic development and prospects for The Gambia’s youth, including returning and/or potential migrants by promoting attractive employment and income opportunities, and to support the Government in its attempt to nurture perception shift for the Gambian population, moving away from a ‘future through migration’ to a ‘future in The New Gambia’.
The support according to beneficiaries will enable young people to gain knowledge through a nine-month package from four TVET centres; such as Insight Training Centre in Kuntaur, Girl’s Guide Training Centre in Soma, Julangel Training Centre in Upper River Region, and Amsterdam Bush Town Centre in Central River North.
Youths lauded the intervention of the project for complementing government’s efforts in bridging TVET training gaps among rural youths and most importantly providing them with start-up packages and grants.
Susan Luso Jatta, Agribusiness and Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant for IMVF TEKKI FII Project noted that rolling out TVET training for rural youths is a key component in addressing irregular migration and creating employment opportunities. He said it was proven that North Bank Region has the highest number of victims among irregular migrants, and therefore providing TVET training would contribute to changing mindset and promotes skills development.
Commenting on the significance of entrepreneurship training, Madam Jatta assured that IMVF is fully committed to providing training and ensuring beneficiaries are given start-up kits in the form of grant to start their own businesses. Start-up kits packages are a support base and are provided in the form of materials, seeds, and equipment for vegetable growers and it's an essential agreement with beneficiaries.
Mr Seedy Sey, lead trainer called on beneficiaries to optimally make best use of the start-up kits grant and promote record keeping.
Salifu Mass, a migrant returnee used the opportunity to share his experience of hardship and ill treatment on the irregular journey. He disclosed in 2016 most of the migrants were arrested and imprisoned by captives who asked for ransom from their families. He urged youths to desist from taking the irregular route and make the best use of opportunities available in the country.
Yama Ndure, a beneficiary of Kunkujang Keitaya in the West Coast Region hailed the support by the project and hopes that the grant will help her start a production project in Kerr Ngornyan of Jokadou in the North Bank Region.