Gambiaj.com – (WASSU, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has inaugurated the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) Multi-Purpose Skills Centre at Madina Lamin Kanteh in Wassu, saying practical skills can help young Gambians build sustainable livelihoods at home rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
The fully furnished centre, built with support from the MRC Holland Foundation, can accommodate 124 male and female students. It is intended to provide young people, particularly those from rural communities, with practical technical and entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Barrow said the facility formed part of his government’s effort to diversify the education system and place greater emphasis on vocational and skills training.
“Because everybody cannot go into the office. That is why we are now diversifying, to make sure we train our people in skills,” Barrow said.
He said practical skills could enable young people to become self-employed and create jobs for others.
“When you are qualified in skills, you are empowered. That means you can work for yourself; you can even employ others,” he said.
Barrow announced that students in the centre’s first intake would receive full scholarships from the MRC Holland Foundation.
He also urged young Gambians to take advantage of skills training as the government seeks to address unemployment and the country’s shortage of skilled workers.
“We want to empower them. People always complain that there is unemployment, and there is no job. But now we are creating jobs for you. We are empowering you,” he said.
The President linked skills development to the wider challenge of irregular migration, arguing that young people with marketable skills should be able to build viable careers without leaving the country.
“If you are skilful, you will never think of going overseas. Because what you can make in this country, you can make outside,” he said.
Drawing on his own experience of living abroad, Barrow challenged the perception that Europe automatically offers better economic opportunities, referring to relatives and friends who have spent decades overseas.
The centre includes academic and administrative blocks, separate two-storey dormitories for male and female students and a restaurant.
Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Professor Pierre Gomez said the project followed a directive from President Barrow for his ministry to collaborate with the MRC Holland Foundation and Brighter Future.
He said the project had initially faced scepticism but had ultimately been completed.
Gomez also disclosed plans for a second skills centre at Pacharr in Central River Region South, with a specific focus on agribusiness.
MRC Holland Foundation representative Henrietta Sonko thanked President Barrow for supporting the partnership, saying his backing had been instrumental in the foundation’s efforts to meet its target of constructing more than 11 classrooms.
The inauguration was part of President Barrow’s engagements in the region. He also visited the construction site of a new 56-bed health centre in Njau, which, upon completion, is expected to serve Niani and surrounding districts.
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