Facts and Figures
- DDF Project Title
- Professional Cookery Training
- DDF Fellow Reference Number
- DDF 40
- Partner in The Gambia
- Fajara Skills Development Centre
- Geographical Coverage
- Urban
- Period
- 2022 – 2023
- DDF Grant
- D299,999
- Cash Contribution
- D59,999
- In-kind Contribution
- Nil
Challenges and Opportunities
Just over a year ago, hundreds of young, skilled workers in the hospitality industry, including cooks and waiters, were recruited to join cruise liners in North America and Europe.
Jean Able Thomas (The Gambia)
DDF 40
Ms. Jean Able Thomas’ Fajara Skills Development Centre (FSDC) is one of the oldest and leading vocational training institutions. It produces graduates for the Culinary, Hair and Beauty, and Sewing industries. FSDC has built a fine record of collaborating with public, private and development agencies including Gambia offices of the International Trade Centre (ITC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and International Labour Organisation (ILO) among others.
Gambia: Royal Caribbean Cruise Recruits Over 500 Gambians On Ship Hotel Works At Coco Ocean
The Point (Banjul). 9 May 2022
By Sulayman Waan
Royal Caribbean Cruise Company Ltd. on Sunday May 8 commenced recruitment of about six hundred (600) Gambian youth for various ship hotel professions.
‘‘While this scheme created new employment opportunities, it also took away many rare talents from the industry. Already, hotels had been complaining about the scarcity of professional staff. The cruise liner recruitment programme created an urgent need for new replacements.’’
~ Jean Able-Thomas. Proprietress, FSDC.
About The Project
A new batch of trainees in culinary skills and hotel management will at least add to the present staff complement for hotels and house managers in The Gambia. Such a program will also create an opportunity to equip students with modern techniques and innovations in fusion cuisine including African, European and Asian meals.
DDF Results and Impact
- Trained and arranged hospitality internships for xx
- Cookery and entrepreneurship training for xx catering business owners.
- Exposed all graduates to new trends, concepts and ideas.
