By Mahzouba Maya Faal
The Head of Kutehjumbulu /2BaB Foundation, Mr.Gerd Hoffman has revealed his foundation’s desire to build a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre (TVET) in Jinack village, Lower Niumi District.
Mr. Hoffman made this revelation recentlty during the team’s visit to the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez to informed him and MoHERST officials on his foundation’s desire to build TVET in Jinack.
He added that his foundation has graduated the first batch of grade 12, and intends to provide livelihood skills for these graduates.The proposed TVET Centre will provide the youth of Jinack Kajateh, Jinack Niggi and the surrounding areas with relevant skills and opportunities for self-actualisation for national development.
According to him, his foundation has already constructed a basic, secondary school and a health care centre in the village. Consequently, the construction of the proposed centre and procurement of equipment for the centre will be done by Kutehjumbulu/2BaB Foundation and partners whiles MoHERST will provide teachers.
In August this year, the Ministry dispatched senior management officials to Jinack to assess the environment including the proposed site and to discuss with the beneficiaries about the Ministry’s intention in supporting the youth through TVET.
Honourable Professor Gomez was pleased by the proposal noting that, it complements the Ministry’s strategic plan of having TVET centres in every region of The Gambia. He added that the youth of Jinack will not be abandoned in national development. He assured the support of MoHERST in ensuring that the proposed TVET centre is realised.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr.YusuphaTouray advised the Kutejumbulu / 2BaB Foundation to acquire an interim authorisation from the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) to set the ground for smooth operations.
