I’m Kaddy. I originally wanted to become a journalist, but now I’m a welder. I’m proud of my profession. It was the right decision to use practical training to learn something useful.

I’m Kaddy. I'm 23 years old. I live in Kombos in The Gambia. My father is a baker and my mother is a farmer. We had a good life. I focused on art at school and my original plan was to become a journalist. But things turned out differently. My mother suggested that I apply to the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) to take part in a practical training course. The GTTI offers such training in cooperation with the Gambian-German Advisory Centre for Jobs, Training and Reintegration (GGAC). There are for instance courses in solar technology, rural mechanics and civil engineering.

I got hold of the application form and filled it in. I started a training course in metalworking and welding in 2019. The course, together with an industrial work placement, lasted roughly a year. The training was superb – we were provided with everything that we needed to learn. I managed to complete the course in 2020, despite the outbreak of the corona pandemic. I was then able to gain some work experience.

Being independent in The Gambia

Although I was a bit ashamed at first telling other people that I’m a welder. Many people think that it’s just a profession for men. It no longer bothers me. I simply tell them that women can do it too. Of course it's physically demanding. But if the equipment can’t be carried by one person on their own, then we give each other mutual support. And now I realise that people are enthusiastic that I’m doing this work. I’m a role model for many others. And my family is proud of me.

I advise all young women to take part in a training course to learn skills. It helps you to find a profession and earn your own money. That’s better than marrying and just staying at home. Many young women complain because they don’t have any money. Or they travel to Europe illegally and may even die on the way there. There are so many opportunities here at home – especially if you’re open to taking up professions like mine.