Wally Saine, who was speaking during the SkillRise Forum organised by the GYCC, acknowledged that youth are not just dreamers, but also doers, who are turning their dreams into reality.
Saine disclosed that GYCC continues to make history, as it is not simply holding an event, but also nurturing a movement powered by purpose, resilience and innovation.
"Let me begin by acknowledging the tremendous effort of the organizers, our development partners, stakeholders, and most importantly, you, the young people who continue to inspire and redefine the future of The Gambia. Your presence here today is a testament that the ambition of youth in this country is alive, focused, and unstoppable. When we first learned the Skill Rise Innovation Forum, it was the conviction that young Gambians are not just dreamers but doers, crafting tools, solving problems, leading startups and building industries. We envision a platform where those voices could be amplified, those ideas validated and those innovations scaled. Now, one year later, I stand here with great pride to say that vision is being realized."
He revealed that "We've seen young mechanics turn their garages into hubs of invention. We've worked with welders and carpenters and even engineers, who make agricultural machines. We've met young coders developing mobile solutions for local problems. Across the region, you are not waiting for change. They are becoming the change."
Saine, however, reminded that their work is far from being done, further urging the need for entrepreneurial commitment and determination.
"You are not underqualified. You are enough. You are ready. Your ideas are valid. Your solutions are needed. Your voices are powerful. Whether you are crafting furniture, coding an app, or processing agricultural products, you are contributing to national development and you have to know that. But don't stop there. Scale your work. Train others. Collaborate and compete globally. We live in a time where a single viral innovation from Brikama can attract international investment, where a device built in Jarra Soma can solve problems, where a young farmer in CRR can use technology to optimize harvest. This is the new Africa. This is the new Gambia."
