By Alieu Ceesay
The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) hosted a pivotal community engagement session at the Old Bakau Cape Point Community Centre to address irregular migration. Titled “Combating Irregular Migration through Skills Training and Advocacy,” the event united residents, local leaders, and advocates to explore solutions to a crisis that has claimed numerous lives in Bakau due to dangerous journeys to Europe.
Irregular migration remains a significant challenge in The Gambia, driven by limited access to legal migration pathways and high visa costs. The session highlighted the urgent need for community-driven strategies to curb this trend. Bakery Manneh of Kaira Consultancy emphasized the importance of public education on visa processes, proposing media campaigns to demystify applications. “Informative TV and radio programs can guide people through visa procedures, reducing rejections and the allure of irregular routes,” Manneh said.
Badara Y. Jallow, Chairperson of the Bakau Development Community, called for a collaborative approach involving parents, government, and media to promote skills development as an alternative to migration. “By showing youth viable paths through skills training, we can foster national development and strengthen our economy,” Jallow urged. He also advocated integrating skills training into school curricula to prepare future generations for sustainable careers.
Lamin Dibba, Councillor for Old Bakau Cape Point, underscored the value of equipping youth with employable skills. “Skilled migrants contribute meaningfully to their host countries and are more likely to succeed than those without training,” Dibba noted. He stressed the need for self-employment opportunities to empower youth locally and abroad.
The session also spotlighted efforts to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, from irregular migration. Mustapha Mbaye of Child Fund The Gambia shared the organization’s impact, supporting 10,000 children with educational sponsorships. “Many children we’ve supported since age four are now in university or training at GTTI, pursuing technical skills,” Mbaye said, highlighting the transformative power of education.
The event fostered a collaborative spirit, with MAJaC staff and residents brainstorming strategies to address irregular migration. Discussions emphasized skills development, advocacy, and community awareness as critical tools to create safer, more sustainable futures for Gambian youth. By prioritizing education and training, Bakau aims to reduce the desperation driving perilous journeys.
MAJaC’s initiative marks a significant step toward tackling a complex issue through grassroots engagement. As the community grapples with the consequences of irregular migration, such efforts offer hope for lasting change. By empowering youth with skills and knowledge, Bakau is paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration, with stakeholders pledging to address the root causes of irregular migration. As Jallow aptly summarized, “Our youth are our greatest asset. By investing in their skills and opportunities, we can build a stronger Gambia for all.”
