Project Period: December 2023 – May 2025
Partners: Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) & Gambia Media Support (GAMES)
Funded by: CISU – Civil Society Fund, Denmark

Overview

The Unlocking Potentials to Combat Irregular Migration (UPCOM) project empowered Gambian youth to build their futures locally, while contributing to national efforts to reduce irregular migration. Through a unique blend of professional training, advocacy, and coalition-building, the project created new opportunities for young Gambians and strengthened civil society’s role in migration dialogue.

Key Achievements

Youth Empowerment: 48 young Gambians (potential migrants and returnees) completed a nine-month intensive training in Film & Photography and Digital Media Production & Marketing. Many graduates secured internships, employment, or launched their own businesses.

Creative Advocacy: Trainees produced six powerful advocacy films and digital campaigns that reached over 50,000 citizens online and more than 800 people through community events. Campaigns used local languages to spark meaningful dialogue on migration and alternatives.

Civil Society Coalition: A coalition of 16 Gambian CSOs was established, with MAJaC as secretariat. The coalition now functions as a permanent advocacy platform, uniting organizations to collaborate on migration, youth empowerment, and development issues.

Capacity Strengthening:

MAJaC enhanced its curriculum, management systems, and role as a civil society hub.

CSOs gained new skills in advocacy, communication, and coalition-building.

GAMES improved its monitoring and evaluation practices through close partnership work.

Lasting Impact

Sustainable Livelihoods: Graduates are applying their new skills to secure income, establish creative businesses, and mentor peers.

Civil Society Growth: The coalition strengthened cooperation between CSOs, reducing competition and encouraging joint initiatives.

Community Mindset Shift: Advocacy outputs inspired young people to see opportunities in The Gambia rather than risking their lives on the “backway.”

Lessons Learned

Practical, hands-on training is more impactful than theory alone.

Early equipment procurement and longer training durations are essential for deeper impact.

Campaigns are most effective when delivered in vernacular languages that resonate with communities.

Building coalitions fosters unity, but requires continued investment and long-term vision.

Looking Forward

The UPCOM project proved that Gambian youth, when given skills and opportunities, can thrive locally. MAJaC will continue nurturing creative talent, strengthening civil society, and amplifying youth voices. Together with partners, we aim to scale these efforts, extend training timelines, and secure sustainable resources to deepen the impact.