His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Monday officially launched the Resilience Building Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project (RB-VYWoSP) in Chamen Nianija, Central River Region, a transformative national initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable youth and women while strengthening social protection systems across the country.
The colourful ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries, government officials, development partners, and enthusiastic community members who gathered to witness what many described as a major milestone in The Gambia’s drive toward inclusive and people-centred development.
Upon arrival, Vice President Jallow received a rousing welcome from the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Seedy SK Njie, community leaders, and residents of Chamen Nianija, whose excitement reflected the significance of the initiative to local communities.
The event was attended by Members of the National Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of Health, Governors from the Central River Region, and representatives of the African Development Bank, the principal financier of the ambitious project.
Speaking at the launch, Vice President Jallow described the initiative as more than just another development programme, emphasising that it represents government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and creating meaningful opportunities for them to succeed.
“This is not simply the launch of another project,” the Vice President declared. “It is a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to building a society where vulnerable people are protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
The RB-VYWoSP project will focus on critical areas including economic empowerment for youth and women, vocational and skills training, nutrition support, healthcare system strengthening, and the expansion of social protection services aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities nationwide.
Funded by the African Development Bank and aligned with The Gambia’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan 2023–2027, the initiative is expected to significantly contribute to poverty reduction, resilience building, and sustainable community development.
Development experts at the event hailed the project as a timely intervention that will help address unemployment, social vulnerability, and limited access to opportunities among disadvantaged groups, particularly women and young people.
Vice President Jallow further urged stakeholders, implementing agencies, and beneficiaries to remain committed to ensuring the project delivers real and lasting impact for communities across the country.
“What will matter most, in the end, is the difference this makes in people’s daily lives, and that is what we must all remain focused on,” he stated.
The launch of the RB-VYWoSP project marks yet another step in the Government’s broader agenda to promote inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no Gambian is left behind in the country’s national development journey.
