Fajara Skills Development Centre recently marked another milestone in the history of the Centre when it held another successful graduation ceremony in Fajara for 16 female graduands.

The students were awarded certificates recognised by the National Training Authority (NTA) after successfully completing a two-year course on hairdressing, catering, sewing and basic literacy in English Communication, Book Keeping and Accounting, and Business Administration.

“Since the inception of the centre in 1999 with six students, we are a force to reckon with in the hairdressing and sewing business. The cookery section is up and coming and you will be the judge,” said Mrs Jean Able Thomas, founder and proprietress of Fajara Skills Development Centre.

Referring to the new site the centre has moved to, Mrs Able Thomas said: “We are grateful not only for this new site, but also for the ability and provision for the location and expansion.”

She said that among the graduands were five Liberians, one Nigerian and ten Gambians, adding that the Liberians were sponsored to undergo the course by the UNHCR.

To the graduands, she said: “Girls you have been armed with a skill. Learning is a life long process. You have just started. Please look for avenues to improve yourself further. Stay focused. Your attitude and professionalism are vital ingredients for success.

“I want to appeal to you to forge ahead in the right direction. Cultivate and nurture the attitude of being independent and resourceful. There is dignity in labour. Break away from the dependency syndrome. There is no free meal ticket. Remember the agencies and partners that have invested in your training - UNHCR, Santa Yalla, YMCA and your guardians. Don’t let us down despite the challenges you may face. Let the flag of womanhood fly high. Your beauty may fade but your knowledge remains.” Mrs Able Thomas expressed appreciation with the teachers, such as Mr Lawrence Toyinbo, and other employees of the centre for their diligent exercise of duty and commitment to the development of the centre.

She also thanked friends of the centre such as the Danish Friendship Society, the American Embassy through Mrs Vicky Boko Boyer and H.E. Ambassador Joseph Stafford, FASE, the UNHCR, and the Nigeria Ambassador and her staff. The guest speaker on the occasion was Hon. Belinda Bidwell, Speaker of the Gambia National Assembly, whose speech was delivered by Mr Nana Grey-Johnson.

The occasion was graced by the Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Mariam Mohammed, and Mrs Mariam Overeen of the NTA.