Africa-Press – Gambia. Fifteen students of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) on Tuesday graduated after completing their training under the GTHI–EU Compass Project, during a ceremony held at the institute’s campus in Kanifing.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, parents and other stakeholders, where certificates were formally presented to the graduates.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Isatou Drammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance.
“On behalf of the minister, I congratulate you for a job well done and for your commitment to achieving this milestone,” she said, while also commending lecturers, parents, the European Union and the Government of Spain for their support to the programme.
Deputy Director General of GTHI, Sheriff Conteh, said the graduation marked not only the completion of training but also the recognition of the students’ growth and commitment over the past years.
He noted that the programme combined theoretical and practical training to prepare graduates for the hospitality industry.
“We are particularly proud that from this group, five outstanding students will be selected for internship opportunities in Spain,” Conteh said, describing the placement as a life-changing opportunity.
He urged the selected students to serve as ambassadors of GTHI and The Gambia by upholding discipline, professionalism and integrity during their stay abroad.
Project Consultant Basamba said the programme was implemented under the EU’s MAC 2021–2027 framework within the Compass Project, co-financed by the European Union.
He described it as a partnership involving the EU, CNP-España, GTHI and other stakeholders aimed at creating structured opportunities for young people.
According to him, the initiative provides an alternative to irregular migration by equipping youth with practical skills, professional training and international exposure.
“Today is not simply a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of vision, cooperation and transformation,” he said.
He added that while five graduates will proceed to a six-month placement in Spain, the remaining ten will continue skills development locally through industry engagement and innovation initiatives.
Spanish Chargé d’Affaires to The Gambia, Violeta Insa, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the programme, noting that Spain has maintained long-standing cooperation with GTHI since supporting its infrastructure expansion in 2009.
She described GTHI as a key reference centre for hospitality training and a major contributor to youth employment in the sector.
An official of the European Union congratulated the graduates and urged them to apply the skills acquired to build careers in the hospitality industry.
He said the programme forms part of broader cooperation under the EU’s MAC 2021–2027 initiative, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and promoting safe and legal migration pathways.
Youth Adviser to the Government of The Gambia, Lamin K. Saidy, said the project demonstrates that young people can access safe and structured opportunities for professional growth.
He encouraged the graduates to make use of local opportunities and serve as ambassadors of the programme.
“The grass is also greener in this country if we look inward at the opportunities that exist,” he said.
The GTHI–EU Compass Project aims to strengthen skills development in the tourism and hospitality sector while promoting employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable youth engagement in The Gambia.
