Following the official Launch, on 14 June 2017, towards the establishment and operation of the Banjul North Technical and vocational training Centre at the former Crab Island, a series of consultation between and among Stakeholders and other related activities have taken place culminating in the development of working documents.

The validation was held at the Region one Regional Education Directorate Hall at Kanifing.

Speaking at the Validation exercise Ousman Sillah a Member of the National Assembly for Banjul North constituency and a promoter to the initiative Said that the purpose of the forum is to provide an update on the developments from the inception of the process to date and share and validate the outcome of the consultancy on the establishment and operations of the Banjul North (TVET) Centre being promoted by Himself in Partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the International Trade Center under the support of European Union supported by youth Empowerment Project.

He noted that it all started during his campaign in the run-up to the National Assembly elections in March/April 2017 when he expressed his desire to do something about the former Crab Island School. “If elected, and bearing in mind that the place appears abandoned as teaching and learning have ceased to take place, I intend to do something positive there” he said.

He highlighted that Crab Island has been part of his Ward which be contested and won. The physical state of the school with its crumbling walls and vandalised Windows and door frames is not only an eyesore to many passersby but has generated genuine concern and interest among those who had academic stint there.

The Banjul North Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre he said aims to provide Vocational, Entrepreneurship, organizational and leadership skills for unemployed, unskilled, potential and returning Migrants, school dropouts and vulnerable groups within the Banjul and Greater Banjul metropolis.

For his part the Deputy Permanent Secretary Adama Jimba Jobe stated that the proposed initiative of the NAM for Banjul North came at the right time when people are talking about the youths all over the country. He said youths constitute 60 percent of the population and most of them are unemployed.

The coming up of the TVET Centre will be of a great help to the youths of the Gambia and that the school has over the years produce influential students who are currently serving the country in good position

He concluded by thanking Ousman Sillah for coming up with such a brilliant idea and that his ministry will give him all the support he needs.

By Isatou M Ceesay