The country's large young population is aimed at driving economic growth, especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and emerging digital industries, though challenges remain regarding unemployment and access to quality education and training for young people in The Gambia.
Key points about Gambian youth and economic development are:
Large youth population: The Gambia has a significant young population, representing a potential demographic dividend if properly empowered with skills and opportunities.
Youth Empowerment Project (YEP): A key initiative aimed at enhancing youth employability through vocational training, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the creation of small businesses.
Focus on sectors: Youth Empowerment YEP prioritizes traditional sectors like agriculture and tourism while also looking to diversify the economy by supporting emerging areas like creative industries and digital services.
Challenges faced by youth: High unemployment rates, limited access to quality education and training, and a difficult transition from school to work are major obstacles for Gambian youth.
Skills development programs: Efforts are underway to provide targeted skills training programs that align with market demands, including technical and vocational training.
Importance of entrepreneurship: Promoting youth entrepreneurship is seen as a key strategy to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Agriculture: Utilizing their labour force to improve agricultural productivity and value addition in the agricultural sector.
Tourism: Engaging in tourism-related activities like hospitality and tour guiding.
Digital economy: Developing skills in digital technologies to participate in the growing digital economy
Creative industries: Contributing to the creative sector through art, design, music, and filmmaking
Key initiatives to support Gambian youth in economic development are:
Government policies: Implementing policies that promote youth employment, entrepreneurship and access to finance.
Partnerships with NGOs and international organizations: Collaboration to deliver skills development programs and support youth-led projects.
Vocational training institutions: Strengthening vocational training programs to equip youth with market-relevant skills.
Access to finance: Providing micro-credit schemes and financial literacy training to young entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Gambian youth are also involved in life-saving efforts through organisations such as UNICEF, the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) and Save Life Gambia (SLG).
These organisations provide training, resources and opportunities for young people to help their communities in the country.
The Youth Empowerment Project demonstrates the far-reaching impact of targeted UN interventions. YEP provide skills, opportunity and hope for Gambian youth.
They empower new generation to build a brighter future for themselves, their communities and their country.
Read Other Articles In Youth Forum
Prevalence, determinants of tobacco use among young people in Gambia
Aug 17, 2021, 1:39 PM
