Haruna Kuyateh
Tumana Agency for Development [TAD] has expressed hope to gain a fruitful partnership with GIZ European Union funded project that seeks to provide skills training for youths on horticulture, bee keeping and Food Processing as important and timely.
The agency implemented projects funded by Global Environment Facility dubbed FAO Project Vegetable production and value addition for women farmers. The two components include, Establishment of vegetable scheme and training farmers and forest users on value addition and environmental best practices.
Speaking to The Voice, Muhammed B Drammeh, executive director of TAD, said the training aimed to transform lives of youths and create employment opportunities for youths and by extension address irregular migration.
He said that the partnership with GIZ through EU support would help youths in rural communities to learn skills on horticulture, bee keeping and Agro processing to enhance food production.
He disclosed TAD curriculum and facilitation guide was validated by National Quality Assurance and Accreditation.
He disclosed that GIZ partnership target to train 85 youths by 2021 and while 60youths will commence training in January 2021 and GIZ will provide support of 30% to youths and follow by TEKKI FII grant and loan.
Aja Nyansa –Jabbi, executive president of Tumani Agency for Development executive committee lauded members for their support and solidarity.
She said TAD goal is to transform development aspiration for women and youths to boost food production and environment protection. She also launched support from development partners in the form infrastructural development to respond to the need of communities in Tumana.
Beneficiaries student Fatoumata Jaiteh of Sanunding and Jula Jabbie -Kululeh and Fatoumata Dampha -Tinkinjo said the training has transform farming practices and noted that the skills learnt would contribute to increase production.
Alasan Jawo, Trainer on Agriculture said the four months training on youths has contributed to adoption of best farm practices. He thanks the communities of Tumana for their support and collaboration to advance the development of TAD.