TIKA's Multifaceted Support Boosts The Gambia's Development

Photo: Ali Kerim, TiKa in The Gambia Office Coordinator

By Ousman A. Marong 

The Country Coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in The Gambia, Mr Ali Kerim, has highlighted his agency's impactful projects in environment, healthcare, and vocational training.

"We work on practical environmental projects and building institutional capacity," Kerim said on Vibes FM. TIKA trained 47 officials on land degradation and climate resilience, supported Bijilo Nature Park, and is working on Zero Waste initiatives. "Our approach combines environmental restoration with technical knowledge transfer and long-term resilience," he added.

TIKA assesses impact on three levels: direct outputs, functional outcomes, and community-level impact, including trained officials, infrastructure delivered, and improved conservation sites.

Improving Healthcare Services in The Gambia. 

TIKA's Medical Oxygen Generation Plant at Ndemban Hospital has improved healthcare services.

"It means patients can access life-saving oxygen faster. TIKA focuses on sustainability and capacity-building, ensuring facilities can use equipment effectively.

Support for Vocational Training Centres for Youth Empowerment. 

TIKA supports vocational training centres like Kanilai, providing tools for welding and tailoring. "This creates pathways to self-employment and better employability," Kerim said. TIKA plans to continue supporting initiatives that help young people develop skills, seeing vocational training as a key investment in human capital and social inclusion.

Disappointment Over Sale of Mile II Central Prison 

Kerim expressed disappointment over the sale of the country's only central prison. "I felt bad about the news, which came after TIKA delivered equipment and training to the prison,” he said. TIKA would support moving the training centre to a preferred location, but emphasized the need for advance communication. "If I had known, maybe it would have been the other way round. We should now focus on the benefit of the inmates and see what we can do,” he added.