Dr. Demba Sabally made this remark while presiding over the official presentation of the ROOTS Project award ceremony of the second batch of the Youth Matching Grant held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center recently.
The Minister while praising the management of the project for its commitment in supporting rural farmers across the country, also acknowledged that youth are key in national development as they constitute roughly two thirds of our country’s population.
In view of this fact, Minister Sabaly noted that youth in the country face several challenges in finding and sustaining gainful employment.
“As a result, the Roots youth-based matching Grant is designed not only to improve agricultural productivity and marketing on the one hand, but is also aimed at providing employment opportunities for youth across the country.”
The award ceremony, he added, is the culmination of another long and vigorous process that began with a call for applications last year, which resulted in over 1000 applications from across the country.
“This followed a rigorous selection process to identify the most deserving beneficiaries, culminating in a total of 86 applicants being selected. The selection process involved the shortlisting of applicants from more than 1,000 to 120, which was done at the regional level. Secondly, availing business plan development to the 120 shortlisted prospective beneficiaries to prepare bankable business plans. Thirdly, individual interviews of the 120 prospective beneficiaries and assessment of their business plan by the independent national review committee and; lastly field visits by members of the National Review Committee to verify information provided by the beneficiaries in their business plans, as well as during the interviews.”
To that end, Dr. Sabally commended the National Review Committee, which is drawn from the public, private sector, farmer organisations, NGOs and the community, for a job well done.
He also revealed that his ministry through the Roots Project will award 86 successful applicants financial support up to the tune of $7,500 each, which is roughly GMD 500,000 per beneficiary to improve their businesses.
“Out of this total, beneficiaries will contribute 10% i.e. a maximum of GMD 50,000. This, however, may be less depending on the amount requested by the beneficiary ownership and promote sustainability.”
Minister Sabally reminded that the project is investing considerably in business ideas to generate employment and income opportunities for youth and their families.
He thus advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants, reminding that there are many more deserving youths who were not lucky to have the opportunity.
