Africa-Press – Gambia. The Kalilu Jammeh Foundation (KJF), in partnership with a Spanish organization, on Sunday conducted a community outreach program in Jirong, Upper Badibou, aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration.
The event featured a friendly football match between the Jirong Special Football Academy and the Jirong Green Land Football Team from Kaif, with the latter winning 4-2. The initiative forms part of KJF’s nationwide advocacy to educate the public on risks associated with irregular migration, including loss of lives, deportation, health challenges, and mental trauma.
Speaking at the event, KJF Founder and CEO Kalilu Jammeh, a former migrant from Jirong, urged zero tolerance for irregular migration, including among married couples. He highlighted the high number of women, young people, and infants dying at sea, and stressed the need for parents to monitor their children and communities.
Jammeh also presented his book, Journey of Misery, recommended by the Directorate of Curriculum as supplementary reading in schools. He called on development partners to support the foundation in expanding outreach programs.
Chief Ansumana Sanneh of Kiang East described the initiative as vital in saving lives and encouraging families to discourage irregular migration. Similarly, Alkalo Ndongo Sanneh and Imam Baba Gasama of Kiang Kaif praised the use of documentary evidence to demonstrate the human cost of migration and called for continued support for awareness campaigns.
Sub-Inspector Momodou Fatty of Mansakonko Police Station said the outreach complements security efforts to curb illegal activities and urged parents and youths to reconsider perilous journeys to Europe. Women’s representative Nyima Fatty highlighted the trauma faced by families and encouraged youths to pursue government-supported professional skills programs to secure a decent livelihood.
The foundation’s outreach forms part of broader efforts to engage parents, youths, and local communities in preventing irregular migration and promoting safe opportunities within the country.
