The project, funded by MRC-Holland Foundation in collaboration with The Gambia government, when completed would significantly improve quality and equitable TVET education system in the area.
The move is in response to society’s needs for high-quality human capital that will enhance the Gambia’s competitiveness in the global market.
The event is part of ongoing activities of President Barrow’s 2022 ongoing ‘Meet the People Tour.’
Laying the foundation stone on behalf of the Gambian leader, Ebrima Sillah, minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, reminded that looking at the commitment of the Gambia government a lot has been achieved, even though, there are still a lot more commitment to ensure they serve the youth by providing them with alternative skill education that can help them in life.
Minister Sillah indicated that the establishment of the multi-purpose center would further promote teaching of TVET education as a critical input for economic development and poverty alleviation.
The center, he added, would also play an essential role in helping the trainees use entrepreneurial skills for development.
Minister Sillah advanced that the project will make tertiary and higher education system more responsive to current labour market demand, thereby promoting more significant equity and equality in preparing graduates for entry into higher education institution.
“The project is expected to accomplish increase access, ensure relevance and equity by expanding TVET education to this part of the Gambia and providing skills to trainees with quality programs for skill enhancement. It will as well improve quality by establishing competitive programs to encourage talented young Gambians to pursue advanced TVET subjects in the areas relevant to the region’s demands among others.”
For her part, Hendriatta Sonko, head of the MRC-Holland Foundation revealed that President Barrow informed project sponsors that in order to fight and discourage the ‘back-way’ syndrome, which has cost the lives of many youths thereby creating youth employment, there should be provision of skill training centers in the country.
She applauded the communities for providing the land for the construction of the skill training center.
