As we promise young people out there, we will be swinging the pendulum to different sides to feature role young models in society.

In today’s edition of Youth Matters, we caught up with Fatim Badjie who has carved a niche for herself in life. Ms Badjie talks about a wide range of issues that have in one way or the other affected her life. Read on.

Who are you?

My name is Fatim Badjie. I am the daughter of Dembo Badjie and Haddy Badjie. I am a Banjulian by birth and Jola by tribe. My dad is from Bansang and Bwiam and my mum from Banjul. What can I say? That’s me.

Your education back ground?

This question is interesting, because I’ve been to many schools. During my childhood years I was in Belgium and later went to the US. When I came down here I attended schools like Mrs Ndows, Marina International and Gambia Senior Secondary School, where I obtained a very good result (WASSCE). Upon my high school graduation, I proceeded to Tennessee State University, where I obtained B.A Communication.

You are remembered at Gambia Senior Secondary School for have been vocal and steadfast. What was the force behind that?

I think for the most part I’ve been a revolutionary for most of my life. When I believe in something I stand for it all the way. That passion is in me has made me involve myself in many issues that can bring positive change.

What is the difference between education in Gambia and the USA?

Education in The Gambia is somehow limited because of the diversity someone will be exposed to. It is more convenient going to the university in The Gambia but as foreigner in any other country you have to work harder than the average Westerner just to get the opportunity. So that makes a big difference. There is nothing to prove out in the West. It’s just about collecting as much as you can out there; that is education and bring it back home and utilize it for your country. If you are going to university here, everything is more in perspective because you are home based. I would say your aggressiveness to want to gain that education would be very mild here because there are greater risk of being influence out there than here.

Why did you decide to return home after completing your studies unlike what some people do?

I am very happy that you raised this question. I left The Gambia when I was 17 years, just two weeks after my graduation. I was lucky to have this opportunity. However, when I went to US, I had a purpose. I knew that I was not there to enjoy myself and my parents saw to it. I was there to get an education and come back to make a difference here. Coming back home is one of the best decisions I have made and I want it to influence my peers abroad to come home. I came home in order to contribute to the national development of this country. There is nothing we can gain out there unless we go back were we started from.

Were you offered a job after your graduation?

I was working before I came down here. Basically, it is so logical. Life is a cycle out there. You are like a rat going around in a circle over and over. You cannot get out it is like a trap. My parents were very influential trying to make sure that I come back home. Being out in America is very hard. As much as you can get paid, you can never compare to what you get here in The Gambia, because here you get peace of mind and you can be more human. You will have chance to give, take care of lots of things and also look into your interest and passion. In America you really cannot get through all of that

Do you see yourself as role model?

I have always wanted to see myself as that. It’s humbles me when people say that but I always try to improve myself everyday.

Are you single?

Laughs! Yes I am single but not available.

Any plans to get married?

Absolutely I’m a Muslim and a Gambian lady.

What do you think the government should do to enhance the productivity of youth in society?

I think the government is doing very well in trying to help young people. The establishment of the National Youth Council and the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) is a clear manifestation of the government’s stance towards youth development. I think the government should tap into the creativity of the mindset of youth. New ideas have to come in, and this passion that lies in youth everyday needs to be boosted out of their system and should be utilized in a positive manner. Definitely, they should start tapping on talents and creativity.

How do you assess young people in this country?

In average, young people do not have the zeal or passion or aggressiveness to succeed. But they want to achieve something. It is not good to remain in the same state. It is okay to always want to achieve and do more. It doesn’t start from just the mind but also the hear t and in action. So I think that youth in The Gambia should be ready to go all out to get what they want. If you want education and you cannot go to Europe or America, look around Africa apply yourself and get ready to learn. There is nothing in your will power that you cannot do if you believe in it. So if you believe that change can happen, it will come. God is watching and I’m a witness to that. So I think we have to be more aggressive, innovative and ready for a change.

You sound like the US presidential hopeful, Barack Obama?

Absolutely! He is God’s send and it a time for change all over the world especially for black people.

What do you do during your leisure time?

I like to take a walk at the beach, writing, just relaxing and chilling with my mum.

It’s rare to see a young lady like you holding such position as a senior communication officer at Comium?

I actually don’t look into position. I look into the work and what it entails. Title is not really a big thing for me at this point. It’s about gaining that experience. One of my motivations at work is result.

Not many young people study communication. Why for you?

I think for the most part it was my energy and innovation since I was in primary school. I always like acting, writing and asking people questions and when I was young I remembered them calling me ‘WHY’ because I ask so many questions. My interest in communication came up because I knew I was not very shy as far as expressing myself concern and I had an ambition at that time to actually have the first private TV station in The Gambia. I really got into public relations, radio and TV studies

Do you say private TV station?

Yes, that was my intention when I picked out communication as my field. But looking at the broader aspect at this point, it’s still possible, doable. I still believe in anything that will bring about change for the benefit of Gambians.

How would young people benefit from this private TV station?

I think young people will benefit greatly from it because there would be interesting and educative programmes. It’s important when television reaches the lives of young people and they can actually see themselves in it. At this point, it’s all about gathering wisdom and experience and utilising all this energy into it.

But funding a TV station requires a lot of resources?

Like I said it; only for the future. I don’t know but I believe in God. Every mountain is made by rocks. So I am willing to climb the little rock before I get there.

What will be the relationship of Comium and this TV station?

Neutral. I believe the media should be very neutral.

Apart from your job what else do you do?

Well, I’m a poet. I like writing stories. I’m also an actress and I am into theatre. I have a few friends. I’m not afraid to be myself. Family means the world to me so I like being around my family.

At your age, how do you manage such position? How do you command authority?

Hmmm…, I don’t command. I would honestly say there is difference between age and experience. At work, it should be free from all of that. It should be all about the work. You work for the work and not the person per se.

Are you respected at work?

Absolutely, even if someone does not want to be respected, I will give you respect until you give it back. But this is not a case in Comium because everyone is respectful.

What’s your advice for young people?

My advice to my fellow youth is to search within to see where you can utilise yourself. There are three main areas in which you can find that easily. That is what I believe, by looking into your passion, interest and talents. There is something when you talk about it or by doing it or you do it you feel so into it. These are your passions. At times a minute you hear about something you stop everything you are doing to concentrate on it. These are your interest in it. And your talent are things you are naturally good at. If you really looking into one of these areas, you would find a place to succeed by empowering yourself for the development of our beloved Gambia.

Your dad is The Gambia’s ambassador to Sierra Leone. How influential has he been in your life?

I’m a daddy’s girl. Actually, my dad was working in the government when I was born. I can say that my dad’s work in the government has exposed me to lots of positive things. He was so involved in youth development especially in setting up the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS). Watching him being active in all of that has actually created such zeal to want to be involved in society.

Do you see yourself following your dad’s footsteps and work for the government?

Only God Knows.