By Ousman Seckan
Gamjobs through REAP project and with support from Migration and Sustainable Development Gambia (MSDG) and GK Partners has rolled out returnees’ training on soft skills, job coaching, and placement opportunities in the Gambia. Three hundred thousand dalasis (300,000) is earmarked for this project, which will run for 6 months.
Dodou Kah, the Talent and Career Coach, Gamjobs, said the returnees’ coaching and job placement project will help in mitigating and curbing unemployment among the returnees in the Gambia.
‘‘There are thousands of returnees who are jobless, frustrated and many are traumatized and have skills that are under utilized. With this project the returnees will be trained and provided with coaching, mentoring and job placement opportunities for them to live and work towards achieving their dreams jobs,’’ said Mr. Kah.
He advised returnees to apply and be part of the beneficiaries of the REAP project in order to avoid embarking on irregular migration, while urging employers to accept the returnees and utilize their knowledge and skills favourably.
Ebou Sowe, 37, a returnee and beneficiary of the training said he applied for the coaching and job placement training because he feels that he can make it in his country of birth without travelling abroad.
Mr. Sowe who had earlier spent a year in Dubai voluntarily returned home after spending four years in Italy without a job and proper documentation.
He said: ‘‘I was in Dubai for one year, but due to the weather condition and low wages in Dubai, I decided to return back to my country the Gambia. During my stay in the Gambia, I found life very difficult because I already lost my job in the Bank and I couldn’t get a paid job to feed my family. So, I decided to embark on the back way Journey to Europe.Though I arrived safe in Italy, but life was tough in Italy. After spending four years in Italy without a Job and proper documentation, I decided to voluntarily return back to my country the Gambia to reunite with my family with the help of International Organization for Migration.’’
Kawsu Jatta, is another returnee who benefited from the REAP project. He lamented that job searching has been a challenge to him, but with the skills acquired from the training it will be easier now.
He said the training has enhanced his understanding of job searching and increased his confidence.
Mr. Modika Bah, the Project Manager, explained that thousands of young Gambians have returned home after attempts to enter Europe irregularly. He said many of them find it difficult to start a new life back home due to lacking skills and technical knowledge needed to enter the job market.
‘‘Many of them end up being frustrated, which poses serious challenge not only to themselves but also society,’’ he deplored.
The training modules are meticulously structured with clearly outlined topics that can facilitate personal autonomy, enhance job searching skills, connecting returnees to stable jobs and boost their self- confidence. The criteria for selection are applicants should bring a copy of ID card or passport, returnees’ certificate (optional) and credentials. The target is at least 100 returnees.There is an online application form and hard copies available at Gamjob’s office.