With the new Gambian Youth Project we want to give unemployed youth the opportunity to receive a specialized training and earn their living as agricultural entrepreneurs. But who are these young people and what do they hope to gain from such a project? Find out more about their hopes and dreams in four short interviews
BAKARY JAMMEH
NAME: Bakary Jammeh
AGE: 15 years
ADDRESS: Ballingho
HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: 9th grade
Why do you want to join the project?
I wish to join the project in order to learn skills and be self reliant in future. This will enable me to live a decent, dignified and independent life.
What is your future goal?
I was contemplating going in for carpentry but with the news that there is such a project coming to my community, I have decided to change my mind and go in for agriculture. Upon graduation, I would like to start a small business in the area I perform best while at the training centre.
What is your expectation on the project?
To get educated in modern agricultural practices on one hand and earn income from the project as a student worker.
What would be your perspective in The Gambia if otherwise?
Things are hard! The initiative is laudable one and without such intervention the status quo remains, i.e. living in abject poverty. The good thing is that the future is bright because we have all the resources at our disposal. What is missing is to be guided as to how to explore those resources.
MARIAMA JALLOW
NAME: Mariama Jallow
AGE: 22 years
ADDRESS: Dutabullu
HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: 10th grade
Why do you want to join the project?
I want to upgrade myself in Agriculture.
What is your future goal?
To become a horticulturist.
What is your expectation on the project?
I expect to have a wealth of knowledge and experience during my training and also have some income in the form of stipend. The best part of it is the graduation package from the savings made during the training.
What would be your perspective in The Gambia if otherwise?
So much jobless youths, without the intervention by organizations like RDO, the development may not be impossible but moving in a very slow pace.
BUBA BAH
NAME: Buba Bah
AGE: 25 years
ADDRESS: Dutabullu
HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: 12th grade
Why do you want to join the project?
To learn skills and business ideas.
What is your future goal?
My dream is to become a successful agricultural entrepreneur.
What is your expectation on the project?
My expectation is that the centre will avail me the opportunity to learn agricultural best practices.
What would be your perspective in The Gambia if otherwise?
Most of our youths are jobless at the moment. This is mainly due to lack of technical skills and knowledge. Therefore such a project will bring endless job opportunities to the youths of this nation.
JARRA MARENA
NAME: Jarra Marena
AGE: 20 years
ADDRESS: Farafenni
HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: 12th grade
Why do you want to join the project?
To further my knowledge, education and skills.
What is your future goal?
To have a better life.
What is your expectation on the project?
To enhance my knowledge and skills in my career.
What would be your perspective in The Gambia if otherwise?
To look for an alternative to be able to meet my objectives.