By Isatou Sarr
Vicky’s Hairdressing Salon and Skills Training Centre on Saturday held its 14th graduation ceremony, celebrating decades of skills training that enabled thousands of young Gambians to earn a living and rebuild their lives.
The ceremony took place at the West African Insurance Institute Hall in Kololi and brought together graduates, trainers, families, development partners, and community members. Graduates received certificates in Hairdressing and Cosmetology, Tailoring, and Arts and Crafts.
The event also marked 33 years of the centre’s operation. Since its establishment in 1989, Vicky’s Skills Training Centre, accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), has trained more than 3,000 young people, many of whom now work independently or in skilled professions across the country.
Guest speaker, Isatou Jallow, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Jollof Care Centre, described the institution as a place that has consistently opened doors for young women and vulnerable groups.
She said the Centre’s work goes beyond technical training, noting its commitment to inclusive skills development, including training ex-prisoners and backway returnees. Such efforts give people a chance to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society with dignity.
“This is what meaningful empowerment looks like,” Jallow said, adding that the beauty and hairdressing industry continues to evolve and that graduates must commit to continuous learning, discipline, and good character.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Mrs Victoria J. Tamba, said the graduation was not only about certificates but about transformation.
“For over two decades, this centre has been a place of hope, where young people and persons with disabilities learn skills that allow them to stand on their own,” she said. Mrs Tamba said more than 50 persons with disabilities have been trained at the Centre, alongside thousands of youths.
She praised the graduates for their resilience, noting that many overcame personal and economic challenges to complete their training. “Our hands carry power,” she told them. “Your skills can feed you, build you, and open opportunities wherever you go.”
Mrs Tamba also commended the trainers for their dedication and thanked partners and sponsors, including the YMCA, NAQAA, NYSS, GIZ, SIE, Jollof Care Centre, and private businesses, for supporting the Centre’s work. She called for continued collaboration to expand the facilities and reach more young people in need of practical skills and opportunities.