The project is funded by the GIZ-ECOWAS RSDF program andis expected to intervene in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA), Lower River (LRR) and Upper River Regions (URR). In the implementation process, NSGA will partner Wulli and Sandu Development Organisation in URR, Freedom from Hunger Campaign in LRR and the Girls Agenda in GBA and West Coast Region.
Speaking at the event held at NSGA head office in Bijilo, Abdou A. Kanteh, NSGA executive director explained that the aim of the project is to improve self-reliance and employability in agri-business of young people in the country through life skills training and community mobilisation.
“The objectives include implementing fast track initiative to train young people in agri-business on life skills; empower young people with life skills as means to boosting self-reliance and employability; and boost the image of career opportunities in agri-business and other trade areas through awareness raising and community mobilisation,” he stated.
Abdoulie Singhateh, GIZ Youth Empowerment and Migration Advisor stated that the project will look at horticulture, fisheries and poultry. He added that in as much as they want young people to engage in these sectors, they also want them to realise their potential.
“If you offer young people this kind of programs, you want them to take it up but if they do not know what they are good at, it will not give dividends and it is through life skills that they will know what they are good on. That is why we consider this program as very key,” Singhateh explained.
He added that his institution believes that life skills are the basic rock that will lead them to whatever they want in the project, stating that they want the program to set the foundation for all other areas.
Rita Mari, who spoke on behalf of the consultants, revealed that their work is to focus on improving the lives of young people in the country. She added that they have experience and have workedwith ministries connected to the project for years.
“Last year we were asked if we could help in developing a menu and train trainers on employability education. The focus of what we developed is on life skills and focusing more on employability. We are happy that training can be enrolled now in schools and communities,” she pointed out.
She disclosed that so far, not all youth have benefited from this kind of training, adding that the role of the consultants is mainly guiding the trainers and adjusting the program.
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