As a young person growing up in The Gambia, Muhammed Ceesay, a native of Sinchu always thought it was impossible to make it in The Gambia. Thoughts of traveling abroad engulfed him until he started seeing his friends die in the Mediterranean Sea including his childhood friend, which became a point of call for him.

Fast-forward to 2018 he started studying at Sterling Skills Training Center (SSTC). This was after he challenged himself to do better in business and inspire young like-minded Gambian. Through the SkYE Fund, He underwent entrepreneurship training that shaped his business perspective and prepared him for the job market that he was so much looking forward to. "I must say, Tekki Fii is one of the best youth programs in The Gambia. It is encouraging and challenging youths to learn skills, do business and make it in The Gambia. This has ignited my spirit for success.”

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In 2019 Muhammed received the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) mini-grant which he used to establish his business-PROSPECTIVE, a digital business that provides satellite services as well as digital accessory needs to customers. The grant of D47,000 got him satellite materials and a shop he is now based at. Though most of the satellite installation needs of people call for one to be present in the field, Muhammed started Prospective alone. He now has five employees and accommodates interns from SSTC and other schools.

“The satellite installation skills and customer services were the most important elements for me. The business and entrepreneurship training helped transform my business approach into a more solid and standard venture. It would have been almost impossible to operate with my original approach if not for the training I received.” Muhammed adds that he is now able to manage his finances, manages work schedules well, and has developed good customer relations.

“I am now a satellite technician working to be financially independent and free,” He explains with optimism. Muhammed plans to become a successful wholesale dealer in the coming years. He wants to be supplying satellite materials and other electronic accessories, create employment for 15 young people by 2025, equip them with marketable skills whilst connecting people through digital means.

“To my fellow youth, no one will develop The Gambia for us, let us challenge ourselves to do something beneficial for ourselves and our society. Be it skills or an entrepreneurship venture, just do something beneficial.”


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