Towards youth empowerment, with essential skills for self-sustainability, the Sunday Foundation Skills Training Center and Youth Center in Kambia District has successfully enrolled over 150 adolescent boys and girls into its skills training program.

The initiative aims to equip the youth with practical skills that will enable them to secure employment or start their own ventures in the future.

According to Adama Bangura, one of the heads of the tailoring department at the center, they are currently running two main departments: tailoring and hairdressing. The tailoring department has seen a total of 94 students, both male and female, while the hairdressing unit has enrolled 74 female students. This diverse enrollment reflects the center’s commitment to providing opportunities for both genders to acquire valuable skills.

Madam Fatmata Hassan, a tutor for the hairdressing unit, emphasized that the training sessions are conducted from Mondays to Fridays, and there is no fee required for participation. To further support the students, the center provides free meals every Friday, and each participant receives an allowance of NL.100 at the end of every month to cover transportation costs. This holistic approach aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that all enrolled students can fully engage in the training program.

The one-year course curriculum is carefully designed to cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the chosen fields. Upon completion of the training, the management plans to facilitate job placements by connecting graduates with various tailoring shops and hairdressing groups. This strategic approach not only ensures that the skills acquired are put into practice but also creates pathways for sustainable livelihoods for the youth in the community.

Skill training plays a crucial role in addressing unemployment and poverty by equipping individuals with the necessary expertise to meet the demands of the job market. By focusing on specific skill sets, such as tailoring and hairdressing, the Sunday Foundation Skills Training Center aims to provide targeted training that aligns with the needs of local industries. This approach increases the employability of graduates and contributes to the economic development of the region.

In addition to vocational skills, the training program also emphasizes personal development and entrepreneurship. Participants are encouraged to explore opportunities for self-employment and develop business acumen to establish their enterprises successfully. By fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance, the center aims to create a generation of empowered youth who can contribute positively to their communities.