In a pivotal move to enhance youth empowerment and foster socio-economic development in The Gambia, Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, inaugurated the Kanilai Vocational and Technical Skills Training Centre in Foni Kansala on November 27, 2024. This new center is a critical part of The Gambia’s broader efforts to decentralize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as outlined in the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023–2027.
The D2.1 million Kanilai TVET Centre is designed to equip the youth of The Gambia with valuable technical skills in high-demand sectors such as welding, fabrication, tailoring, and fashion design. The project, which benefits from the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), is poised to provide state-of-the-art training resources and materials to empower the next generation of skilled professionals.
During the inauguration, Minister Gomez emphasized the central role of TVET in the country’s economic transformation. He stated, “We are driving this agenda through the MoHERST Strategic Plan 2021–2025 and the National TVET Policy 2021–2030, with a focus on expanding access to quality vocational education across the country.” Minister Gomez further stressed the importance of updating curricula to match labor market demands and integrating modern technologies to equip young people for future opportunities.
A critical objective of the TVET Decentralisation Drive is to combat youth unemployment, reduce illegal migration, and create avenues for private sector development through practical skill-building initiatives. “Promoting TVET and STEE (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship) is vital in addressing unemployment challenges and unlocking the economic potential of our youth,” the Minister added.
TIKA’s partnership with the Government of The Gambia was also highlighted by His Excellency Fahri Turker Oba, Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia. He emphasized that TIKA’s investment of over D2.1 million reflects Turkey’s commitment to empowering young Gambians with marketable skills. “By supporting this initiative, we are contributing to tackling youth unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth,” Ambassador Oba said.
The support from TIKA was further underscored by the agency’s coordinator, Sule Bayar, who outlined the organization’s contribution of equipment, materials, and resources to ensure the effective delivery of training in welding and tailoring.
Adding to the spirit of collaboration, the MRC Holland Foundation, which has allocated $250,000 to the project, also voiced its support. Dr. Henrietta Sonko, the Foundation’s coordinator, encouraged Gambian youth to seize the opportunity provided by the Kanilai TVET Centre and pursue skill development with determination and resilience for a brighter future.
The inauguration also saw recognition from the academic community, with Professor Nazmat Toyin Surajudeen-Bakinde, Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET), praising the Kanilai TVET Centre as a “hub of excellence.” She emphasized that USET’s mission of offering diploma, certificate, and degree programs in science, engineering, and technology, along with entrepreneurial skills, aligns perfectly with the center’s objectives.
The Kanilai TVET Centre is more than just a training facility; it represents a transformative step in decentralizing vocational education across The Gambia. With its focus on providing young people with the skills necessary to succeed in modern industries, the centre is poised to empower the youth of The Gambia and contribute significantly to the nation’s growth and development.
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