Case Study

Gambian youth business training & Mentorship

THE CHALLENGE

In the Gambia, youth exit school early or do not pursue post-secondary education for a host of reasons, one being the lack of affordability of post-secondary education or other financial challenges (school fees, cost of books, etc.)

THE INNOVATION

Over the course of the 8-week program, 18 Gambian youth were engaged in 4 entrepreneurship and business training sessions and 4 mentorship sessions. Led by a total of 14 skilled volunteers (10 mentors and 4 trainers) from 6 of V2I’s corporate partners

THE IMPACT

92% of the youth participants were exposed to new careers requiring business skills as a result of the program
100% of the participants believe that they now harbour the foundational knowledge needed to take the next step in their business idea development
100% of youth would recommend the program to a friend or classmate
85% of the youth are extremely likely to use the tools they learned through the program to support their future endeavours

From our participants

“What makes Venture 2 Impact’s training program outstanding is the fact that the volunteers and mentors are so patient and understanding, they are never in a rush, they make sure we have an interactive session and even allow us (trainees) to decide when and how we want the program to be conducted”

Haddy NyangProgram Participant

“The training has helped me build my capacity to make sound business and financial decisions while developing life skills and principles that foster leadership and commitment. The knowledge and skills gained combined with financial solutions, gives me the tools needed to increase my income and expand my business now and into the future.”

Joe Soya BongayProgram Participant

NGO Partner testimonial

When we gathered the youths for the first time for the orientation one could easily pick that there was a gap on entrepreneurship knowledge amongst most of them. Midway into the training the youths started discussing business idea generation among themselves.The 8 weeks were indeed 8 fruitful weeks for the youths and I am quite convinced that these young people, with coaching and further engagements, will become successful entrepreneurs in the near future. Hoping and looking forward to this pilot project of Venture 2 Impact and Nova Scotia Gambia Association being expanded to a national project benefitting more Gambian youths especially those in rural areas.

Volunteer Testimonials

“I enjoyed getting to know the students and their passions and interests. It was fascinating to learn about what people on the other side of the world view as their most pressing issues/concerns, and how different those issues/concerns can be from my own.”

Sourced from Volunteer Survey

“I enjoyed meeting with my mentee & seeing how his business idea changed & evolved over the course of our conversations.”

Sourced from Volunteer Survey