By Fatou Dahaba
In a bid to combat youth marginalization and foster greater civic participation, ActionAid International, The Gambia, has wrapped up a five-day intensive training program for journalists, bloggers, TikTokers, students, and other content creators.
The training, held from March 13 to 17, 2026, at the scenic Albreda Kunta Kinteh Lodge, focused on equipping participants with the skills to empower young people to engage in their communities and actively advocate for inclusive development.
The training forms part of ActionAid’s Youth Promotion Initiative (YPI) Project, supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. It builds on last year’s similar program by expanding its reach to a more diverse group of digital influencers and creatives, emphasizing accurate, responsible reporting and content creation that drives real change rather than misinformation.
Bridget Tabou Correa, YPI Project Manager at ActionAid Gambia, underscored the initiative’s urgency. She highlighted the persistent marginalization of Gambian youth, many of whom feel excluded from local development processes and have turned to perilous irregular migration routes in search of better opportunities.
“This project aims to ensure that youth are actively involved in the development agenda of their communities, whether in villages, districts, or regions,” Correa told participants. She stressed that the training adopted a human rights-based approach to strengthen participants’ capacity to advocate for youth inclusion and engage effectively with government agencies.
Correa noted that young people have long been sidelined in decision-making spaces, leading to frustration and risky journeys across the Sahara and Mediterranean. By training media professionals and content creators, ActionAid hopes to shift the narrative, giving youth a platform to shape policies and demand accountability at all levels of governance.
Participants left the workshop energized and committed to applying their new knowledge. Ya Awa Mbaye, popularly known as Awa Bling, a prominent Gambian hip-hop artist and activist, said the training reinforced her belief in the power of art to drive civic engagement.
“Music and performing arts can simplify complex topics and connect emotionally with young people,” Awa Bling explained. She plans to create content focused on empowerment, responsibility, and active citizenship, using her platform to raise awareness of civic rights, challenge harmful social norms, and inspire youth to participate in community development meaningfully.
TikToker Albert Mustapha Camara, widely known as Tapha Mandela, gained practical insights into effective digital storytelling. “I learned the importance of focusing on a single main idea in each piece of content rather than overwhelming viewers with multiple messages,” he said. Camara intends to produce concise, impactful videos that go beyond entertainment to foster awareness and positive societal change in his community.
Binta Nyangado, another participant, highlighted the unique barriers young women face in civic spaces. She pointed to discrimination, gender-based violence, and the culture of silence surrounding women’s struggles.
“Increased involvement in civic engagement can empower young women to amplify their voices, address their obstacles, and even inspire older generations,” Nyangado remarked. She called for deliberate efforts to break down barriers and create supportive environments where women can thrive and lead.
Omar Jammeh shared how the training had already reshaped his approach to content creation. He has begun scripting pieces on critical issues such as irregular migration, aiming to educate while entertaining.
“Effective content should inform and educate the audience beyond just humor,” Jammeh stated, expressing his commitment to producing meaningful work that contributes to national development.
The sessions were facilitated by experienced trainers Yaya B Baldeh and Mamie Sabel Bets, who guided participants through modules on media journalism, civic reporting, social media content creation, digital storytelling, and ethical responsibilities in amplifying youth voices.
Organizers described the program as a success in fostering collaboration and innovation among diverse media practitioners. By the end of the week, participants had developed action plans to integrate civic engagement themes into their ongoing work across traditional and digital platforms.
ActionAid Gambia continues to position itself at the forefront of youth empowerment efforts in the country. With national elections approaching and ongoing calls for greater inclusion in decentralized structures, initiatives like this training are seen as vital for building a more participatory democracy where no young person feels left behind.
