The graduates completed training in tailoring and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), aimed at equipping young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of the Centre, Ismaila Ceesay, congratulated the graduates and urged them to make productive use of the skills acquired.
He announced that 23 students would receive their certificates in Tailoring, ICT, and Catering. Mr. Ceesay also noted that four of the tailoring graduates would be employed by the school.
He congratulated the graduates on their successful completion and encouraged them to make the most of the skills they had learned.
He said the institution, established 27 years ago, is committed to providing quality, affordable, and accessible skills training, particularly for young people.
He added that the Centre also supports students with special needs and integrates life skills, entrepreneurship, and communication into its programmes.
Vice Chairperson of the Board, Ousman Nyang, said the performance of the graduates would reflect on the institution, urging them to uphold high standards in their work.
He stressed the importance of diligence and attention to detail, noting that poor workmanship, especially in tailoring, could lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss of business.
The National Coordinator of GIZ ME/GGAC, Kawsu Sillah, described the graduation as a milestone and encouraged the graduates to use their skills to pursue self-employment and contribute to national development.
“We are celebrating not just the completion of training, but the beginning of new opportunities,” he said.
He highlighted the significance of the event, noting that Tailoring has traditionally been male-dominated in the Gambia. He expressed his happiness at seeing women bridging that gap and thanked the lecturers, students, and parents for their support and dedication to the course.
Project Coordinator Jip Ceesay highlighted the impact of the GIZ Scholarship Programme in promoting self-reliance among young people. She commended the students for their determination and called on parents to continue supporting their children.
She acknowledged the challenges faced but praised the students for their perseverance, expressing her pride in their accomplishments. She noted that this is just the beginning, and while challenges may arise, no one can take away the skills they have gained. She encouraged them to keep pushing forward, as they have a bright future ahead.
A graduate, Binta Ceesay, shared her experience, saying the training helped her rebuild her life after her tailoring business collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Before joining, I couldn’t sew, but today I can cut, stitch, and complete garments on my own,” she said.
Certificates were presented to the graduates at the end of the ceremony, which concluded with calls for them to apply their skills to improve their livelihoods and support their communities.
By Kaddy Sowe & Fatou S. Sanyang
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