Youth Ministry launches stories of Hope Project in LRR

The Stories of Hope Project is being implemented by Children’s Foundation The Gambia (CFG) in partnership with the First Drop Initiative. The launch attracted a cross-section of participants, including government officials, regional authorities, development partners, community leaders, parents and young people.

In his statement, Minister Badjie described the project as both timely and necessary, stressing that young people need honest conversations, real-life stories and practical opportunities to make informed decisions about their future.

He underscored the importance of the youth initiatives, and called on youth to embrace the opportunities created in the country.

CFG Board Chairperson, Famara Dabo, used the occasion to reflect on the foundation’s journey since its establishment in 2010 as a community-based organisation focused on child and youth development, particularly in rural areas.

He explained that a key partnership formed in 2012 with the Aspeboda Foundation for Children in Sweden helped expand CFG’s work in education, skills training and youth empowerment.

Dabo highlighted several CFG programmes, including its Child Sponsorship Programme, which began with 30 children and now supports 105. Beneficiaries receive education, healthcare and social support, with seven children already completed Grade 12. 

He also spoke about the first nursery school established in Manduar in 2020, currently serving 52 learners, and the annual Summer Life Skills Camp, which has equipped more than 1,200 young people over the past six years.

He further outlined CFG’s mentorship and skills development initiatives, offering training in bakery, tailoring, carpentry, poultry, construction, agriculture, painting and basic computer skills.

One standout success story shared was that of Omar Jammeh, a young man who once travelled through the backway, returned home, and is now preparing to open the first carpentry workshop in his community.

In his remarks, Hon. Badjie commended CFG and its partners for investing in hope rather than despair. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued partnership, noting that many young people are driven by dreams of Europe without fully understanding the dangers and long-term consequences of irregular migration. He said stories like those shared through the project help balance the narrative and show that life abroad is not as easy as it is often portrayed.

Also speaking, Landing B. Sanneh, Chairman Mansakonko Area Council, urged young people to seize the opportunity and pledged the council’s support, particularly towards CFG’s impactful summer camps.

Musa Darboe, representing the First Drop Initiative, shared his personal migration experience, encouraging youth to prioritise education and carefully weigh the cost of starting life from zero abroad.

The minister and his delegation later proceeded to Fonkoi Kunda in Jarra West, where he visited the IBSA/GSI Graduate Garden.

The thriving initiative, run by former GSI student Alieu Bah, stood as a clear example and reminder that with skills, support and determination, hope can be built and sustained at home.