The opening of the new branch in Kotu, officials said is aimed at bringing skills training to the doorsteps of Gambians with a view to enabling them have a career in Skills Development.
These developments, is also geared towards providing quality, hands-on vocational training, and the Academy’s expansion aims at reaching more young people and professionals eager to improve their skills, find sustainable employment, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
The new branch at Kotu, they added, offers a variety of vocational programs, including training in fashion design, hair dressing, catering, culinary arts, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fatou Saine Gaye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gaye Njorro Skills Academy, said: “The new branch in Kotu is more than just a building. However, it’s a beacon of hope for young people seeking to build better futures. Our mission is to provide skills that not only lead to employment but inspire entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency,” she postulated.
She added:” If one intends to get the youth from the streets, it must be done with meaningful goals that will change their lives and change their attitudes.”
CEO Gaye further added: “A lot of youths In the Gambia if given a chance to learn skills and equip themselves, would have lived differently.”
The academy, she went on, has graduated over 6,500 young people across the country, adding: “My objective among others is to ensure that young people of this country have the necessary skills.”
Cherno Omar Barry, the Chairperson of Gaye Njorro skill Academy highlighted the goal and target of the Skill academy.
“The skill academy is geared towards providing the necessary skills for young people in the country. However, our main target is the girls as they are the most vulnerable in society. Therefore, we want to give them diverse skills in areas that would quickly provide them opportunities to excel in life.”
The school, Barry said, is providing certificate levels in several areas ranging from embroidery, sewing, cooking, hairdressing and a host of other skills that are marketable, saying: “Gaye Njorro Skills Academy is a skill center that builds the capacities of young people in order to provide them with greater opportunities.”
