Young Gambians will have a better chance of finding quality jobs and earning higher incomes at home through a new partnership between the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI); the German agency for international cooperation, GIZ; and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Representatives of the three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding today after the launch of the national Youth and Trade Roadmap, endorsed by President Mr. Adama Barrow and the government, youth, the business community and civil society, to tackle the root causes of youth unemployment.
Today’s signing marks the start of a cooperation triggered by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in December 2017 when he visited the GTTI with President Barrow. GTTI, GIZ, and ITC are uniting their efforts to improve the quality of education offered to young Gambians – particularly vulnerable youth in rural areas – so that they are equipped with the skills needed to work in higher-value positions, enabling them to earn decent livelihoods.
‘Germany is a world leader when it comes to technical and vocational training, and we are happy to see this expertise coming to The Gambia,’ said Ms. Jahou Faal, Director General of the institute. ‘This partnership will open up many new opportunities for Gambian youth and help the GTTI to take its education to the next level.’
ITC Executive Director Arancha González said that the partnership will leverage existing efforts under the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) to provide quality skills training for Gambian youth, as demanded by the market.
GIZ Regional Director Friederike von Stieglitz said: ‘GIZ looks forward to starting the cooperation with the GTTI very soon by complementing YEP activities and bringing in the German experience with technical and vocational education and training. The initial working experience with the GTTI and YEP has been very positive and dedicated.’
Partnering for change and rural development
The partnership will strengthen the vocational and technical training offered by the Gambia Technical Training Institute Mansa Konko Annex in the Lower River Region. It reflects the vision of the government as captured in the National Development Plan to prioritize youth-related issues and spur economic development in rural areas, including through decentralized skills training.
The GTTI, GIZ and ITC will exchange knowledge, experiences and tools on technical and vocational education and training in The Gambia. The three organizations will work together to monitor and evaluate how graduates do in their careers, and in general, how the project progresses.
Original source: ITC
Published on 15 May 2018
