In promoting innovation by creating business model while maximising savings and staying glued to business disciplines, Njie Charakh World Market - is the only place to be.
Since its establishment, the institution remains committed to delivering and promoting excellence. This move is even recognised by government and for which it stands ready to support.
On Sunday, the Minister for Gender and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, paid a courtesy visit to the centre, where she was exposed to initiative that has quietly become a lifeline for women and young business owners across The Gambia.
At the site, her message was clear as the government recognises the sacrifices and resilience of grassroots entrepreneurs, praising Njie Charakh World Market for its innovative model of promoting savings and business discipline.
“It is evident that Njie Charakh has contributed immensely in empowering women and young people in the entrepreneurship space,” she said.
“The government’s doors are open for collaboration as you are complementing its efforts in creating jobs and scaling the economy.”
Minister Kinteh, however, outlined that economic empowerment should never come at the expense of children’s education.
In light of this, she urged parents and business owners to resist the temptation of engaging children in trading too early.
“Children should be in school, not in the markets. They must be allowed to stay at home and pursue their studies until they reach the appropriate age to join business life,” she advised.
Mod Sarr, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Njie Charakh World Market, revealed that the institution provides capital support, business management training, and teaching entrepreneurs how to save.
“We are doing our best to support women. However, we can’t do it all alone,” Sarr explained.
“There are gaps. We need the support of the government. Through the Minister’s presence here today, we want to request stronger collaboration to help further empower businesses for better economic growth.”
Amie Nyang, Public Relations Officer of Njie Charakh World Market, expressed gratitude to the Minister for honoring their invitation and praised the expansion of the centre through the visionary guidance of the CEO.
She, however, highlighted some of their challenges and thus called on the minister to support the school with furniture to make it more comfortable and effective in contributing to the empowerment of women in the business space.
Kodou Jassey, a graduate from the school’s first batch, recounted how the training transformed her small business.
“Before joining, my business was from hand to mouth. The school taught me how to separate my capital, profit, and savings. Now, I fully understand how to operate my business. I am grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge gained, thanks to Njie Charakh.”
Saidou Camara from ST Foundation, one of the school’s trainers, praised Njie Charakh’s selfless vision.
He added; “Njie has been a determined Gambian engaged in uplifting young entrepreneurs, especially women. He has not been a greedy, selfish person otherwise this initiative would have stayed within his family. Instead, it has been decentralized to all regions of the country. He deserves support from the central government to help escalate the empowerment he is giving people of this nation.”
Since its inception, the Njie Charakh Business School has generated deposits amounting to D9,302,749 in all its batches of participants - a remarkable achievement for a grassroots initiative.
As the minister concluded her visit, she assured Njie Charakh and beneficiaries that government commitment was not mere lip service.
“Your work is complementing national efforts. You are helping to change lives. The government will stand by you,” she pledged.
