The United Nations Population Fund and The International Trade Centre in partnership with the Mansakonko Area Council, The Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities and the Government of The Gambia have officially launched the Mansakonko Hospitality Training Centre on 10th September 2024, in Mansakonko. 

With funding from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund for six million dalasi ($87,000.00), the centre aims to equip young Gambians with the relevant skills to enhance their employability and ensure economic independence. 

The funding covered the construction, furnishing and operationalisation of the centre. Both the United Nations Human Security Trust Fund and the United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund projects aim to enhance economic and social opportunities for vulnerable groups affected by the construction of the Senegambia Bridge while addressing migration-related challenges. 

The centre offers in-demand courses, including Professional Cookery, Room Services and Food and Beverage Management. These courses are delivered through a partnership between the Mansakonko Area Council and the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute.  UNFPA will incorporate a GBV training component that aligns with its broader mandate to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality. This initiative will equip the women and youth at the center with both technical skills and critical knowledge on GBV prevention and support, enhancing community resilience and empowerment.

Since the completion of the center, over 65 young people from different communities have benefited from its training programs. In addition to receiving specialised training, the trainees underwent a two-month coaching period designed to improve their service delivery, enhance their livelihoods and create new job opportunities within the hospitality industry.  

Yusupha Keita, Technical Adviser and Coordinator of Skills Development, International Trade Centre said: “The Mansakonko Hospitality Training Center represents far more than a training facility. It embodies our collective commitment to promoting human capital development, giving hope to young people & providing opportunities to people whose livelihood have been lost due to the construction of the bridge” 

Hon. Landing Sanneh, Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, shared: “The advent of the Mansakonko Hospitality Training Center will positively propel our ongoing efforts of changing Soma into a model rural green city, with exceptional local hospitality and a nature-friendly environment for all.” He added, “We are creating sustainable youth employment and local economic development through innovative quality hospitality services at the local level.”  

Ms. Ndeye Rose Sarr, UNFPA Gambia Representative shared:

The Mansakonko Hospitality Training Centre's launch is a significant milestone in empowering youth, especially young women, with skills and opportunities for economic independence, addressing GBV and achieving sustainable community development. The Centre reflects UNFPA's commitment to zero GBV and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. 

 The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Karl Fredrick Paul stated The United Nations’ commitment to working alongside the Government of The Gambia and other development partners to enhance access, quality, and relevant Technical and Vocational Education and Training in support of human capital development. 

In addition to the launch of the center, 65 students also graduated in different areas of study at the center. The graduates are now ready to work in the hospitality sector to enhance their livelihoods and create new job opportunities.