Official launch Ceremony of the Six Million Dalasis Mansakonko Hospitality Training Centre in Mansakonko
By Buba Gagigo
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Mansakonko Area Council, The Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA), and the Government of The Gambia, have officially launched the six million dalasis Mansakonko Hospitality Training Centre in Mansakonko, Lower River Region.
“Built by ITC with funding from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund at a cost of six (6) million dalasis ($87,000.00), the center aims to equip young Gambians with the relevant skills to enhance their employability while improving service delivery in the hospitality and tourism industry,” ITC said in a statement shared with Kerr Fatou.
According to ITC, the funding covered the construction, furnishing and operationalization of the center.
“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 center 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 (GTHI),” ITC said.
ITC said since the completion of the center, over 65 young people from different communities have benefited from its training programs. In addition to receiving specialized training, ITC said 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, and providing opportunities to people whose livelihoods 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 to change 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 Center reflects UNFPA’s commitment to zero GBV and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to fulfill their potential
Hon. Mahamadou Ceesay, President of GALGA and Chair of the project’s steering committee, said, “We are happy to witness the launch of the Mansakonko Hospitality Training Centre, which marks its official opening to the public. We expect great potential from this facility in providing hospitality training programs to young people, thereby addressing the challenge of employment and skill acquisition.”
The International Trade Center is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transitioning economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.