The two-week intensive training is an extension of several hands-on-trainings organised for members on their mandate to better to prepare members on their job.
Abdou Sanyang, secretary general Association of Gambia Sailors (AGS), revealed that the association has a membership of more than three thousand (3000) energetic youths, who are committed to handling matters pertaining to the recruitment of stevedores, to work in fishing trawlers and merchant ships and to embrace all sea men irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.
Anna Mbenga Cham, director of Fisheries shed light on the crucial role the fisheries sector plays in the livelihood of people, saying the goal of the fisheries sector is to promote a vibrant fisheries and aquaculture sector through research, sustainable management and utilisation of the fisheries resources that would enhance employment.
The training, she added, would enable members to perform national and international postings.
"It is a requirement of the mandatory standards of competence and other mandatory provisions that all seafarers shall be trained, adequately experienced."
Also speaking, Bakary Badjie, Minister of Youths and Sports, underscored the importance of the training, saying the program would give great opportunity to young people to learn skills and to enable them to be self-employed.
“It is my hope that all of you here will make best use of this opportunity to get jobs, either by creating jobs for yourself or by getting employ by the company that is operating in the areas where you are graduating today.”
Minister Badjie emphasised that every young person no matter what background one comes from is supposed to be supported to grow through education, skills building, mentorship or program orientation.
"I therefore, want to thank the association of Gambia Sailors for collaborating with USET to conduct this professional training and graduate young people."
