The Honourable Ministry of Youth & Sports , Bakary Y. Badjie, yesterday received a delegation from Children’s Foundation The Gambia (CFG), First Drop Initiative Manduar, and Monte Pacini for a briefing on preparations ahead of the official launch of the Stories of Hope Project scheduled for next week.
The delegation informed the Minister about the five‑year initiative, which aims to educate Gambian youth on the dangers of irregular migration (“backway”) through real-life storytelling, skills development, and community engagement. The visit was led by Mr. Nfamara Dabo, Chairman of Children’s Foundation The Gambia, who provided an overview of the foundation, the project concept, and its expected contribution to national efforts to address irregular migration.
Mr. Musa Darboe, author of First Drop and founder of First Drop Initiative Manduar, also shared his personal experience with irregular migration. He expressed his commitment to using his story throughout the project to inspire young people to pursue skills development and safer, legal pathways to travel.
Representing Monte Pacini, Mrs. Elisabetta Baldassarri, President of the organization, expressed their readiness to support both the launch and implementation of the project, highlighting their longstanding dedication to youth development initiatives in Italy and abroad.
In receiving the delegation, Hon. Badjie welcomed the team and commended them for designing such an impactful initiative. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting programmes that equip young people with knowledge, skills, and safe opportunities at home.
The meeting concluded with Mr. Carlo Pagliacci presenting a letter from the Mayor of the City Council of Fermo, Italy, confirming the council’s commitment to partner in the project.
