Officials said the day-long convergence which was held at the Gambia College, was meant among others to enable them discuss challenges confronting young people with a view to enabling them come up with tangible solutions for their own well-being and for the betterment of the country.
Nic Van Der Riet, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of (NIC foundation), spoke at length on the importance of the convergence, saying: “My foundation worked is centred on teaching and preparing students for job and internship market and as well as to prepare them to positively impact the society.”
“I want to work closely with Gambians in order to ensure a sustainable future through education. I want to impact the right attitude in students and also to guide them to establish their own businesses.”
The NIC Foundation CEO added: “I have provided finances to young people who have developed their business plans and given them the other half as a loan,” he said, while claiming that his aim is to see young people succeed in the country.
He underscored the need for young entrepreneurs to be independent and not to wait for the government to create job opportunities for them, while expressing his willingness to continue supporting young people in order for them to become better leaders.
Samsideen Jeng, a member of the foundation, also reiterated the commitment of the NIC Foundation in mentoring and coaching young people of the country to becoming successful entrepreneurs, adding: “Many young people who passed through the foundation have registered great successes and achievements.”
The Gambia, he added, has a high youthful population, thus such kind of initiative will go a long way to supporting and guiding them to become successful leaders.
He stressed the need for young people to come together and work under one umbrella as well as make sacrifices for their nation in terms of development.
Ismaila Camara, who is an entrepreneur underscored the significant contribution of the foundation to his growth especially on entrepreneurship, adding: “It’s through the support and guidance of the NIC Foundation that I was able to change my farming techniques,” he stated, further claiming that unstable market prices is one of the issues affecting farmers in the country.
Soto Jobe, farmer manager at Siffoe Farms, said: “The dialogue availed us the opportunity to learn about the effects of climate change in The Gambia and the world at large.”
He encouraged young people to embrace farming and do away with the “back-way”.
Ya Sohna Secka, a beneficiary of Nic Foundation’s assistance thanked the foundation for supporting her education at tertiary level where she studied Public Administration.
She called on her fellow beneficiaries to make best use of the initiative for their own well-being and the betterment of the country.
Ida Jeng - Njie, the Regional Tourism Director for the West Coast Region, said: “Education is a cornerstone for building an equitable society and it provides the tools necessary for individuals to access opportunities, break the cycle of poverty, and become active contributors to the communities.”
She added: “By supporting young Gambians in starting their own business and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit, is promoting self-reliance. Therefore, this is crucial in an economy like Gambia, where the private sector can play a significant role in driving growth.”
The government and the private sector, she continued, “should work together to provide access to resources and support structures that help both education and entrepreneurship thrive.”
"We must ensure that our education system encourages creativity, and problem solving, preparing our youth to tackle the challenges of the modern economy,” she postulated.
She called on the relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, access to finance, and a favorable regulatory environment.
Concluding, she said: “This will foster an inclusive Gambia where all citizens regardless of their background have the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the prosperity of the country.”