Youth Development

In Brikama, the largest urban settlement in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, youth continue to face significant challenges—from high unemployment to limited access to safe, inclusive spaces for personal and professional development. With Brikama accounting for nearly 48% of the national poor population and The Gambia’s youth unemployment estimated at over 41.5% among those aged 15 to 35, investments in youth-centered infrastructure have become increasingly urgent.

In a landmark step toward addressing these issues, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, on Wednesday presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new Youth-Friendly Multi-Purpose Center in Brikama. The center is being developed by Saama Kairo Federation in partnership with ChildFund The Gambia.

“This is not a donation. This is something the government should have done, and since ChildFund and Saama Kairo have taken the lead, we will join and support them,” said Minister Badjie. He pledged his ministry’s financial contribution to the project and emphasized that the center aligns with the government’s vision for youth empowerment.

The facility, estimated at GMD 15 million, will house a multi-purpose conference hall, a library, a catering training department, a guest house, a basketball court, and a children’s playground. It is the first of its kind in Brikama and aims to enhance youth participation in meaningful development efforts.

“With youth unemployment rates alarmingly high, too many young people are left without opportunities for education, employment, or personal growth,” Komma-Bah said. “This lack of opportunity drives many into despair and vulnerability, increasing the risk of delinquency, social exclusion, and illegal immigration.

In recent years, The Gambia has seen a significant number of its young people attempting to migrate irregularly through dangerous routes, commonly referred to as the ‘backway’ in search of better lives in Europe. Many face exploitation, abuse, or even death along the way. We must urgently address the root causes of this exodus by creating safe, inclusive spaces that nurture ambition, build skills, and promote hope.”

She added, “That is why this center is so important. It is more than a building; it’s a space for training and for growth.  A place for youth to support each other and learn from each other. We are committed to working with government sectors to ensure that no youth is left behind, in line with The Gambia’s National Development Plan.”

Sunkary Jatta, Federation Manager of Saama Kairo, noted that while part of the funding has already been received from ChildFund, about two-thirds of the total cost is still needed. “We appeal to government agencies, the private sector, and individuals to support this cause. This is for our youth, for their future.”

Regional Youth Chairperson Lamin Sanneh welcomed the project, calling it “the first of its kind” and a long-awaited step toward building youth resilience and leadership in Brikama.

Once completed, the center is expected to serve thousands of young people across the West Coast Region, providing them not only with essential skills but also a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.