More than 200 young Senegalese received their diplomas today after completing a six-month vocational training programme that combines technical studies in vocational training centres in Senegal with internships in Spanish companies based in the country. The closing ceremony, full of emotion, was organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Senegal, under the coordination of its Secretary General, Paula Medina.
This programme, promoted by the TIERRA FIRME initiative with the support of the Canary Islands Government, has enabled participants to acquire skills in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, textiles, electricity, plumbing, masonry, scaffolding and renewable energy. A significant proportion of the graduates have now entered formal employment, a significant improvement in a predominantly informal economic environment.
The success of the initiative has been possible thanks to the collaboration of local companies, Senegalese training institutions and Canarian entities such as the ITC, FEMEPA, FEMETE and the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción. The committed attitude of the students, together with institutional support, has been key to achieving the project's objectives.
During the ceremony, which was attended by the Spanish ambassador to Senegal, Dolores Ríos, and local authorities, several young people expressed their gratitude to the Canary Islands government - represented by the Director General for Relations with Africa, Luis Padilla - for offering them a real opportunity for a future in their own country. The Spanish delegation also took advantage of the trip to hold a meeting with the Senegalese Minister of Tourism, who showed a strong interest in replicating the Canary Islands' experience in the field of training.
Source: en.linkedin.com
