By: Haruna Kuyateh
IMVF TEKKI FII project, an EU-supported project has wrapped up its six days of entrepreneurship and marketing training which was marked with an award ceremony of Startup kits for 2nd batch of TVET beneficiaries. The slogan Promoting Agribusiness opportunities for Gambian youths. The training was held at Walimang Hotel in Farafenni, North Bank Region. The entrepreneurship training was attended by 51 beneficiaries and it was meant to transform the lives of rural youths through TVET education in the area of mini machine technicians in the area of motorcycles and generators repairs, poultry, honey, horticulture, business, and small ruminants production.
The beneficiaries were provided with a Startup kits grant of D50,000 to boost their line of business.
The capacity development targeted 5 for Small engine repairs, poultry 2, beekeeping 5, horticulture 19, small ruminants 5, and Agro Processing 15.
The training was centered on record keeping, stock taking, business plan development, opportunity seeking, preserving, risk-taking, demanding for efficacy and quality efficiency, time management, information seeking, networking, business networks, generating business ideas, marketing, promotion, market research and what makes a good business idea.
The beneficiaries were sponsored students of IMVF TEKKI FII drawn from Tumana Agency for Development (TAD) and Julangel Training Centre in Upper River Region, Amsterdam Training Centre in Bush Town Central River Region North, and Insight Training Centre of Kuntair of North Bank Region.
Susan LusoJatta Agribusiness and Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant at IMVF TEKKI FII spokes on the relevance of the capacity development of the youths through TVET education and entrepreneurship.
Seedy Sey Lead Trainer said the training would foster closer collaboration and networking among youths in terms of sharing of best practices. He said the provision of startup kits would empower youths to explore their potential in transforming the lives of young people. Mr. Sey called on youths to make the best use of the opportunities available in the country, citing the Youths Revolving loan scheme at Social Development Fund, GIRAV, NEDI, ROOTS, and other Microfinance institutions.
Alagie Camara and Pa Malick Jallow, Executive Members of Gambia Backway Returnees GBR make a presentation on the dangers of irregular migration, citing loss of lives, imprisonment, and economic loss to families.
Beneficiary youths lauded the intervention of IMVF TEKKI FII in complementing government efforts in bridging TVET training among rural youths and most importantly providing them with startup kits grants. The youths have committed themselves to the adoption of best practices and utilisation of grants.
AminataNyabally agro-food processing graduate from Tumana Agency for Development TAD confirmed that she received a fridge, blender, sealing machine, inverter, and battery charger control as part of startup kits worth D50,000. She noted that 4 months of training supported by IMVF at TAD has transformed her life and is now self-reliant.
AmadouSaidy of Jarra Jenoi, Kali Dem of Fuladou Dasilami mini machine technicians expressed delight in the support provided to them for repairs of motorcycles and generators. The startup kits in the form of toolboxes, sprayers, shoes, gloves, and essential materials were timely and they are ready to start their businesses. The beneficiaries call on their fellow youths to make the best use of the opportunities available in the country.
Haruna Fofana Beekeeper of Wassu said training on honey harvesting and processing of wax into soap and oil, contribute to the production of honey using modern methods of harvesting. He thanked IMVF TEKKI FII for the support and assured of utilisation of skills.