By: Bakary Ceesay
The Smile Nation Foundation has an official visit to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Russia, meant to foster cooperation between the Smile Nation Foundation and JSC “SEZ IPT Alabuga.
The Alabuga Start program demands discipline, focus, and the capacity to adapt to a new culture and language. The benefits, however, are undeniable. Participants gain not only skills that can change their lives but also exposure to an international working culture, which can expand their horizons and build their confidence. It is a chance for individual growth, both professionally and personally.
The program aims to facilitate relocation to Russia for work purposes and empower young women with skills that are most sought-after in today’s workforce.
The Smile Nation Foundation Smile Nation will continue to support and guide young Gambians and non-Gambians who aspire to take part in the Alabuga Start program of which after completion can enroll in Alabuga polytec program.
Enrollment is ongoing at the moment, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and apply if you are a female aged 18-22 , kindly fill the form and check the requirements before filling it.
Gibril Faal, Chief executive officer The Smile Nation Foundation explained that his visit played a great role in strengthening cooperation between Smile Nation Foundation and the Alabuga Start program, an initiative empowering young women through work placement opportunities and vocational training within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Russia.
“I am pleased to report that the trip was a success and offered insights into understanding the operations of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, living conditions in the zone, and the overall efficacy of the program. Alabuga SEZ is an excellent platform for international investment, where businesses from all over the world have established operations,” he added.
According to him, recruitment into the zone incentivizes businesses with significant tax reduction policies to promote foreign direct investment and spur economic growth.
Faal, who is studying International Relations in Russia further emphasized that on his tour, he got an insight into the territory where development on such a scale and organization is practiced within the SEZ. It was very clear that the zone functions as an ecosystem, ensuring that business, environmental, educational, and social responsibility are all intertwined.
He pointed out: “Nonetheless, the core purpose of my visit was to assess the Alabuga Start program.
Participants are trained actively in various trades while immersed in Russian language studies. What sets this project apart is that the participants are not just students but also employees under training and receiving a salary. In this way, the participants are not only gaining practical knowledge and experience but also establishing financial independence,”
“My visit involved a detailed tour of all facilities, including classrooms and training venues, accommodation and recreational areas, workshops, and training areas. I also interacted with current participants of the program, Mariama Jallow from The Gambia, and other women from Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia afforded me a better understanding of their day-to-day routines, challenges, and aspirations. I was particularly impressed by the commitment to safety and well-being. The accommodation was secure and well-maintained, and there were clear protocols in place to ensure the protection and support of every participant”