By: Awa Conteh
Welcome to another edition of Gambian Trailblazers, where we spotlight outstanding Gambians who are making a real difference. This week, we feature the inspiring story of Fatou Saine Gaye, a social entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to empowering young people, especially women, through skills training and development.
Fatou Saine Gaye is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gaye Njorro Skills Academy. Her vocational training center provides young people, particularly women, with the practical skills they need to become financially independent. Her academy offers training in various areas, such as tailoring, hairdressing, beauty cosmetology, and catering. With locations in urban and rural areas of The Gambia, the academy aims to bridge the gap between formal education and employability.
The inspiration behind the founding of Gaye Njorro Skills Academy stemmed from Fatou’s desire to tackle the high unemployment rate in The Gambia. Recognizing the challenges many young people, particularly women, face in accessing higher education and formal employment, she sought to offer a more practical solution.
“I believe that skills acquisition is the solution. When youth have skills, they think of adding value and creating a competitive market through innovation and creativity,” Fatou told The Alkamba Times.
Through her efforts, Gaye has helped over 6,000 students gain the skills they need to become self-reliant, and her advocacy for skills training has influenced broader conversations on youth unemployment and women’s empowerment across Africa.
“Women are nation builders. When one woman is empowered, she will empower ten others along the way,” she emphasized.
Beyond her work at the academy, Fatou has become a voice for education, gender equality, and skills development in The Gambia and beyond. Her efforts have earned her multiple awards, including ‘Business Woman of the Year’ from the Gambia Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and ‘Empretec Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ from UNCTAD in 2016. These awards highlight her leadership and dedication to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the country.
Of course, being a female entrepreneur comes with challenges. Fatou has faced difficulties such as limited access to funding and societal stereotypes about women in business. However, she remains determined and committed to her goals.
“Persistence and resilience are key,” she says. “I’ve learned to stay focused on my goals and adapt when needed.”
Fatou firmly believes that skills development is crucial for the economic growth of The Gambia. Her academy provides training and encourages young people to stay in their communities and create local businesses. In a country where illegal migration, particularly among the youth, remains a significant concern, Fatou views skills training as the solution.
“Access to finance is really difficult here, and many young people turn to dangerous routes thinking it’s their only option,” she says. “But with skills, they can focus on creating value and opportunities right where they are.”
Her work, particularly in rural areas like Farafenni and Soma, has faced resistance due to cultural norms. In these regions, she encountered communities that discouraged young girls from attending school, believing that a girl’s future should focus on marriage. Despite this, she persevered, helping many young women start their own businesses after completing their training.
“After training through the Gamjobs project, I ensured that these girls started their own businesses, becoming role models in their communities,” she reflects proudly.
Fatou’s work continues to make a difference, and her passion for skills training remains as strong as ever. She believes that by having more young people access to vocational education, The Gambia will see significant growth and development.
Fatou Saine Gaye’s story powerfully reminds us how important skills training is for building a brighter future. Through her work at Gaye Njorro Skills Academy, she has helped thousands of young people, especially women, gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Fatou’s dedication to empowering others shows us that anyone can create positive change in their community with the right support. As we celebrate her incredible work, we’re reminded that investing in skills development is key to a stronger, more prosperous society.
