Bantaba in Cyberspace
Bantaba in Cyberspace
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ | Invite a friend
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 General Forum
 General Forum: General discussion
 GAMBIAN YOUTHS AND THE RISKY ADVENTURE FOR GREENER
 New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
| More
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

Momodou



Denmark
11735 Posts

Posted - 21 Feb 2007 :  20:12:15  Show Profile Send Momodou a Private Message
GAMBIAN YOUTHS AND THE RISKY ADVENTURE FOR GREENER PASTURES

Youths in The Gambia are risking their lives in search of better life in Europe.

However, youths who are involved in this dangerous journey believe that one should risk one's life to go to Europe to escape unemployment in The Gambia. They assert that when they complete their senior secondary school education that is the end for most of them, (about 75 per cent of youths), because there are no jobs or spaces for them and they end up being criminals and slaves in their own land. The 25 percent who expect to get employment complain of low wages and increase in the price of basic commodities. A youth who want to be anonymous told me he receives D1500 per month. He pointed out that when he buys a bag of rice, the balance is not sufficient for fish money. He said he normally ends up borrowing and begging people, and that he ends up having problems because he is incapable of paying his debts. He said can neither feed himself, nor build a house for himself and his family. There is mixed reaction from the government side the Chief Executive maintains that even if Europe is sealed with barbed wire, youths will enter there because as he put it, it is to go and bring back what was stolen from Africa, in general and The Gambia in particular. In his view the African continent was rich in resources all was stolen by Europeans during slavery and colonial times. He emphasised that it is now time for youths to go to Europe and get back what belongs to their forefathers.
On the other hand, the former SoS for External Affairs and other senior government officials are of the view that the youths in The Gambia have no justification to risk their lives to go to Europe in search of greener pastures. He asserted that although grass in the West may be greener than here, it is even harder to cut. He said youths in The Gambia should involve themselves in skillful work and self employment ventures.

Furthermore, some youth organisations, for their part, lay blame on the government for not providing the avenue for youths for example political stability, jobs opportunities and better working conditions.
Therefore one can safely conclude that poverty and lack of opportunities in The Gambia is what motivates Gambian youths to risk their precious lives in the sea.
A Concern Citizen

Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 021/2007, 21-22 February, 2007

A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone

kassma



334 Posts

Posted - 22 Feb 2007 :  07:28:13  Show Profile Send kassma a Private Message
it does seem like the economic situation continually gets worse and worse, however, what is the government doing, in america, when the economy is down, the government does something to try to fix it. really what is the point of having a government when it does nothing or is a yes man for obnoxious western governments. anyways, about 2 weeks ago, here in the us, there was a news story about a senegalese who passed away in the cargo area of an airplane.
Go to Top of Page

Alhassan

Sweden
813 Posts

Posted - 22 Feb 2007 :  13:41:13  Show Profile Send Alhassan a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by kassma

it does seem like the economic situation continually gets worse and worse, however, what is the government doing, in america, when the economy is down, the government does something to try to fix it. really what is the point of having a government when it does nothing or is a yes man for obnoxious western governments. anyways, about 2 weeks ago, here in the us, there was a news story about a senegalese who passed away in the cargo area of an airplane.


Kassma,
The truth is the Gambian youths have deciaded not to take up employment at home but move to Babylon. In their opinion it is a must. The forigners that come to Gambia manage to get jobs. How come? It is not only Government that should employ, the private sector too should employ. In my opinion, the employment laws are not enough. Government should creat an athmosphire where the private sector too is encouraged to employ. We heard the news too. Very sad.
Go to Top of Page

mansasulu



997 Posts

Posted - 22 Feb 2007 :  14:18:17  Show Profile Send mansasulu a Private Message
very sad indeed

"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)

...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah...
Go to Top of Page

kassma



334 Posts

Posted - 23 Feb 2007 :  00:55:13  Show Profile Send kassma a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Alhassan
Kassma,
The truth is the Gambian youths have deciaded not to take up employment at home but move to Babylon. In their opinion it is a must. The forigners that come to Gambia manage to get jobs. How come? It is not only Government that should employ, the private sector too should employ. In my opinion, the employment laws are not enough. Government should creat an athmosphire where the private sector too is encouraged to employ. We heard the news too. Very sad.




you that is true, there are many foreigners working, what is going on with gambians, i don't know
Go to Top of Page

jambo



3300 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2007 :  18:19:33  Show Profile Send jambo a Private Message
alhassan you are right about non gambian being eployed, i think it was the senegambia hotel that sacked it gambian entertainment team and replaced them with non gambians. I have mentioned before that it is a long time since i got into a yellow taxi and been driven by a gambian most seem liberian, nigerian, senegalese
Go to Top of Page

sab



United Kingdom
912 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2007 :  19:21:27  Show Profile Send sab a Private Message
A far more pleasant ride/conversation with the scarce Gambian driver.
It appears to be the norm now to discharge the Gambian passenger & pick up the European passenger for a 'town trip.' The Gambian then has to hail the next taxi. Urghhhhhh!
Why on earth do they allow this to take place?

The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary)
Go to Top of Page

toubab

Gambia
92 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2007 :  21:36:06  Show Profile Send toubab a Private Message
Sab, I think the reason for this is that the drivers know they can get more fare money from the European passenger. I use the bush taxis most days as I don't drive and in the time I've been here have rarely seen another Toubab on them, most use the tourist taxis. One day the taxi I was in stopped to pick up some Gambian passengers, but they refused to get in as I was in there, and preferred to stand in the blazing sun for the next taxi rather than share with a toubab. I enjoy the rides as its more friendly and no one hassles you, and always have an interesting conversation. For me the best way to meet the genuine people.
Go to Top of Page

jambo



3300 Posts

Posted - 25 Feb 2007 :  16:19:03  Show Profile Send jambo a Private Message
i travel by bush taxi when i can, but my insurance policy only covers certain high risk journeys, so taxis are held together with string, prayers and hope . BUMPTY BUMPTY BUMP I SMILE AS A REMEMBER SOME TRIPS, it is a great way to meet people.
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
| More
Jump To:
Bantaba in Cyberspace © 2005-2024 Nijii Go To Top Of Page
This page was generated in 0.16 seconds. User Policy, Privacy & Disclaimer | Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.06