33 young people have a reason to celebrate!

After two years of boots, sweat and soil, our first training class graduates in Gambia

With high youth unemployment of over 45% and no significant industry in Gambia, employment prospects for youth are more than precarious. The highest migration rate of refugees compared to the population size illustrates the hopelessness. Apart from the tourism industry, agriculture is the only source of income. With the project ” Career prospects for returnees” help alliance, together with the partner organisation Sabab Lou, saw great potential to open up prospects for unemployed young people and refugees.

In August 2019, the first class started the training programme “Holistic Agribusiness Solutions” in Ballingho, Gambia. In a wide-ranging 2-year programme, the young people were trained in a variety of agricultural professions with both agricultural and business modules. Some of the business courses were prepared by Lufthansa management trainees in Germany and then taught at the camp. Due to the Corona pandemic, the remaining entrepreneurship modules were quickly prepared in a very detailed and creative way with the great commitment of the project coordinator Edith Lanfer and the support of other Lufthansa Group trainees and colleagues, so that the contents could be taught by local teachers.

“The aim is to offer the young people a long-term income perspective in agriculture.”

 – Edith Lanfer from the organisation Sabab Lou

After the young people successfully completed several important modules, they started the digital mentoring program prepared by help alliance at the beginning of 2021. 17 committed colleagues from the Lufthansa Group were prepared for their very special task of advising and supporting the young people in their first steps into professional life. Together with their mentor, the young people developed a substantial business plan that serves as the basis for their start in agriculture and is essential in order to be able to apply for a loan – because almost all trainees need start-up capital.

2 of the participants report:

„We are given a chance with which we can improve our lives.“  – Lamin

 „I feel comfortable because we can also experience community here and help to create it.“  – Muhammed

A lot was demanded of them and they pushed themselves to their limits. But 33 of the young people have made it and for now they can be proud, celebrate and let themselves be celebrated – they have earned it. Soon, the young people will return to their everyday lives as entrepreneurs.

13 of the graduates want to go into poultry farming, 16 into vegetable farming, 2 into animal farming and 2 into processing. Five of the best graduates were offered a job in the training camp. This way, they can gain further experience in leading positions and in the field of credits. They will participate in train-the-trainer programmes and bring economic success to the camp, as well as be a great motivation for the following groups. To ensure long-term success and supportive mentoring for the further youth, they will be assisted in making complex credit and start-up applications.

One thing is for sure, we will stay with them in advice and action !