The city of Gabu is located near the border with Senegal and, also for this reason, many young people (on average one per family) have emigrated or intend to leave.
Guinea Bissau
Regione di Gabú, Guinea-Bissau
The project, lasting 6 months, aimed to offer young people from resident communities sources of livelihood that represent valid alternatives to departure and, at the same time, promote the social and economic integration of returning migrants through training and professional integration.
Project Details
Country
Guinea Bissau,
Location
Region of Gabu,
recipients
300 people (including 150 returning migrants and 150 members of the community of origin).
The activities included the revitalization of the Gabu Youth Training Center, the launch of a poultry farm and that of a bakery/pastry shop.
- Revitalization of the Gabu Youth Training Center
Built in 2007 thanks to the contribution of the UNDP, the Center presented several structural problems. The project involved the renovation of the premises (roof repair and construction of toilets) and the purchase of 10 computers equipped with accessories.
The various courses were thus able to begin:
– a literacy course with the use of computers for 45 students, 39 of whom are women;
– computer training courses at various levels, with 120 students;
– two language courses (English and French);
– training courses on economic and commercial knowledge, necessary for the conduct of income-generating activities, with 70 participants.
The Center also remained open on Sundays to allow young people to prepare their CVs and other documents needed to find a job.
- Starting a community chicken coop
The activity involved the construction of a chicken coop and the purchase of materials and equipment for its operation. In particular, 100 chickens and 100 laying hens were provided to start breeding, as well as 5 bicycles to encourage sales and reach even the most distant districts. The chicken coop was divided into two parts: one for the breeding of broilers, the other for laying hens, to allow young beneficiaries to sell both chickens and eggs. 18 people participated in the activity, mainly women, appropriately trained in this regard. At the end of the project they were already able to pay wages and save what was necessary for the purchase of feed.
- Starting a bakery/pastry shop
The bakery/pastry shop had been strongly desired by the Gabu administration due to the shortage of bread, especially on holidays. The administration itself then made the land available. The activity involved the construction of the building and the supply of the tools and materials needed to start the micro-enterprise for the production and sale of bread and sweets, including 5 bicycles for reaching the most distant neighborhoods. 16 people, suitably trained in this regard, participated in the activity. The oven works practically non-stop.
Among the various activities, not foreseen but made necessary during the project, we also mention:
- a meeting with 21 returning migrants (including 10 participants in the activities of the chicken coop and the bakery/pastry shop) to involve them in raising awareness on the risks of irregular migration.
- 2 radio programs, a film club and a theatrical performance, also concerning the risks of irregular migration.
