The Kaffrine municipal stadium resonated this Thursday with the talent, creativity, and expertise of young artisans from the region, during the regional phase of the national "Teranga Skills" competition. This competition, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment, Vocational and Technical Training, aims to promote skills acquired through vocational training and to select the winners who will represent the region at the national final in Dakar.

A springboard for young talent in the region

Five disciplines were in competition: woodworking, sewing, electricity, catering, and metalwork. At the end of the competition, the winners were announced: Mapenda Wilane in woodworking, Awa Touré in sewing, Aliou Sow in electricity, Pathé Dia in metalwork, and Dialia Cissé in catering.

For Awa Touré, winner in sewing, "this competition will allow us to excel better in our trades and encourage other young people to join vocational training structures."

An initiative led by the ministry and its partners

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Employment and Vocational and Technical Training, Ismaïla Kane, representing the Director General of Vocational and Technical Training, praised the commitment of the participants and the quality of the achievements presented.

“You are proof that vocational training is a powerful lever for employment and local development,” he said, also congratulating the supervisors and school principals for their support.

Mr. Kane also thanked the institutional and private partners, notably Éclosion Solidaire through the FIT Senegal initiative, which supports the Teranga Skills competition throughout the country.

A Kaffrine looking towards the future

Representing the regional governor, Modou Thiaw, deputy to the prefect, expressed his satisfaction with the impressive achievements observed:

"This competition has highlighted the talent, creativity, and expertise of our young people. It helps to promote technical and professional careers while encouraging young people to believe in their potential."

He stressed that vocational training must now be seen as "a strategic choice and a future option", offering real prospects for employment and entrepreneurship.

A showcase of Senegalese know-how

For Athanasse Sagne, project manager of the FIT Senegal initiative implemented by the NGO Eclosio, the objective of Teranga Skills is clear: "to change the view of vocational training".

"We want young people to understand that this is not a second-chance school, but a first-choice school, a real lever for development," he stated.

The regional phases are currently taking place across the entire national territory and will allow the selection of the best young artisans who will defend the colours of their region at the national final in Dakar.

In Kaffrine, this competition was a great showcase of the dynamism, know-how and creativity of a youth resolutely committed to the path of excellence and professional autonomy.