With a population of over 2 million people, The Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa and has the highest per capita migration rate in the continent. Between 2017 and 2019, at least 5,000 migrants stranded in Libya, Niger, and other parts of Africa and Europe returned home The Gambia.
In The Gambia, Migrants as Messengers’ implementation take into account lessons learned, gaps and best practices from previously conducted awareness-raising campaigns, with the aim of empowering youth to make informed migration decisions. At the forefront of the campaign are returnee volunteers, many of whom have been working with IOM on sensitization activities, and whose skills and capacities to conduct evidence-based campaigns will be strengthened. With their own unique personal stories, the returnees will be mobilizing various community engagement initiatives, integrating behavior change objectives into popular Gambian pastimes – including sports, music and dance, attaya (green tea) discussions and bantaba (community meetings). The project will further leverage disseminating audiovisual content on-air and online platforms, especially radio and community radio, which remains the top source of information for many Gambians. Finally, the project’s strong evaluation component will allow IOM and partners to reflect on what works, to inform future awareness-raising initiatives in the country.
Key Figures
71
volunteers
76
youth outreach initiatives
69
community events
17,045
people reached on the ground
325,877
people reached online
113
videos produced
Volunteers
Abass spends most of his time at home writing lyrics and rehaersing songs. He wants to use his migration experience to advocate for the reduction of irregular migration through art and music.
Born in 1995, Abdoulie is currenly in Jarra Tonoataba engaged in farming and poultry.
Abdoulie is a native of Basse in URR and a returnee from Lybia. He is currently operating his tailoring workshop in Basse.
Absa describes herself as a hardworking, friendly and jovial young lady. She is a very sociable person. When she's not working, she spends time listening to music.
Abubacarr describes himself as nice, caring and hardworking. He is a passionate fan and player of football. He enjoys listening to music, especially if he is relaxing.
Adama is hardworking young man who likes innovation and sharing ideas with others. He enjoys playing football and other physical exercise activities.
Alagie believes in honesty and hardwork and enjoys spending time with his family when he is not working.
Alagie refers to himself as a calm young man. He likes playing football with his colleagues and chatting with friends online. He also likes training at the beach to keep himself physically fit.
