By Sainabou Sambou
Ida John once gazed at the skies, dreaming of a life as an air hostess, soaring across continents. But in The Gambia, where aviation training was nowhere to be found, her childhood ambition never left the ground. Undeterred, she explored other paths—first dabbling in IT, only to find it unavailable, before landing in an unexpected place: the world of tailoring. Today, this young entrepreneur has stitched together a flourishing career, proving that resilience and adaptability can turn setbacks into triumphs.
Now a skilled tailor and hairdresser, Ida holds a Certificate in Sewing from the SOS Regional Mother and Adult Training Centre.
In an exclusive chat with The Alkamba Times, she opened up about how a twist of fate led her to a craft she never imagined embracing. “I had my heart set on Information Technology before my WASSCE results,” she recalled.
“My uncle suggested SOS, but when I got there, IT wasn’t an option—only sewing, catering, and the like. With no real alternatives, I picked sewing. My uncle promised me a machine, even though my mom was pushing for catering.”
After passing an entrance exam, Ida dove into her training, spending two months honing her craft in a tailoring shop and a three-month internship. It wasn’t always smooth threading, though. “People assumed I chose sewing because I flunked my WASSCE,” she said. “It stung at first, but I brushed it off. Now, those same critics want me to teach their kids!”
Working from home without a dedicated shop, Ida faces steep challenges—like monthly electricity bills between D3,000 and D4,500 to power her machine. Yet, her talent has won her a loyal clientele, including Gambians abroad. “Sewing’s transformed my life,” she said. “I support my mom and treat myself to what I earn.”
Ida’s vision stretches beyond her current setup. She dreams of opening a tailoring shop, a hub where she can train and employ young Gambians—especially girls—to foster independence. “I want to pass on what I’ve learned,” she said. But to make it happen, she’s calling on philanthropists, NGOs, and investors for support to secure more machines and a workspace.
Her story underscores a broader truth: vocational training is a lifeline for African youth. The African Union’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy notes that over 60% of unemployed young people lack such skills, locking them out of job markets. The International Labour Organization (ILO) echoes this, spotlighting how skill-based education fuels employment and entrepreneurship. In The Gambia, initiatives like those at SOS—backed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST)—empower a new generation to build their futures.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) adds that small ventures like Ida’s tailoring business are engines of economic growth, especially for women. Investing in her could ripple outward, creating jobs and opportunities.
From a grounded dream of flight to a thriving trade at her fingertips, Ida John’s journey is a testament to the power of vocational skills. With a needle, thread, and unwavering grit, she’s not just stitching fabric—she’s crafting a legacy of hope for others to follow.
