By: Haruna Kuyateh
Holistic Agribusiness Solution, part of the Rural Development Organization (RDO) in Balingho, Upper Badibou, recently hosted a family meeting with parents of students enrolled in integrated agriculture programs.
The event provided parents with the opportunity to tour the agricultural training center and learn more about the organization’s efforts to build the capacity of youths and encourage more young people to participate in the two-year training program.
The center, established in 2018 by the Sabab Lou Foundation of Germany in collaboration with various partners, aims to support the government’s initiatives to bridge capacity gaps and empower youth, particularly in efforts to combat irregular migration.
Momodou Y. Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Holistic Agribusiness Solution, explained that the center was created to provide youths with the necessary skills in agribusiness, covering production techniques, entrepreneurship, and livelihood development. Since its inception, the center has trained a significant number of youths in agribusiness and best agricultural practices, contributing to food and nutrition security. The meeting with parents was designed to foster stronger community engagement and provide a platform to discuss the center’s achievements, challenges, and future goals.
CEO Bah emphasized the importance of communication between the institution and parents, highlighting the role of family support in ensuring students’ adherence to rules and their commitment to their training. He encouraged parents to back the center’s initiatives, including a motivational package that rewards students with a 15% bonus on harvests, as well as loan and savings opportunities. Bah also expressed gratitude to the Sabab Lou Foundation and other development partners for their contributions to the center’s success and announced upcoming plans to provide grants and loans to former students through partnerships with FAO and other organizations.
Mbemba Gibba, a lecturer at the center, outlined the enrollment and recruitment process and stressed the importance of students adhering to academic and practical training regulations. He also urged parents to provide comprehensive health information to ensure smooth admissions. Gibba reiterated that the training curriculum is designed to equip youths with practical skills and to promote the adoption of best agricultural practices.
Agricultural technician Migan Romain discussed the value of both local and international training opportunities, noting that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of young people in agribusiness. He encouraged parents to motivate their children to focus on their studies and practical training, helping them develop into job creators in the agricultural sector.
Arfang Fofana, a parent from Sankwia village in Jarra West, expressed appreciation for the center’s efforts in empowering youth through agribusiness training. He described the center as a key solution to youth unemployment and stressed the importance of students’ dedication to their studies. Parents at the meeting committed to supporting the center’s growth and encouraged students to stay focused on their courses to become successful entrepreneurs and farmers.