Kanifing, The Gambia – 26 September 2026: Raise the Young Foundation (RTYF) has concluded its three-month Girls’ Summer Bantaba 2026 programme with a certification ceremony held at the Kanifing Municipal Library.
The programme was designed to provide young girls with opportunities to develop knowledge, confidence, leadership skills and meaningful community engagement. Throughout the three months, participants took part in sessions covering Youth Leadership, Public Speaking, Peacebuilding and Community Cohesion, Gender-Based Violence Prevention, Menstrual Hygiene, Environmental Action and Meaningful Community Engagement.
As part of the programme, the girls also participated in practical activities that encouraged them to engage with their communities and apply the knowledge gained during the sessions.
The final sessions focused on Menstrual Hygiene and Public Speaking, facilitated by Fatoumatta Sanneh and Fatima Kebbeh, respectively.
At the end of the programme, 15 girls successfully completed the three-month programme and received certificates in recognition of their participation and commitment.
Speaking during the ceremony, RTYF Executive Director Yankuba Keita congratulated the participants and described the programme as an important opportunity for girls to develop their confidence and leadership abilities.
“We are very proud of what the girls have achieved over these three months. The Girls’ Summer Bantaba created a space for young girls to learn, share experiences, build confidence and develop important skills. This certification is not the end, but the beginning of greater opportunities and responsibilities.”
RTYF Programme Coordinator Saffiatou Njie also commended the participants for their commitment throughout the programme.
“It has been inspiring to see the girls grow in confidence and actively participate throughout the programme. We hope they will continue to use the knowledge and skills gained to speak up, support one another and contribute positively to their communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Sainabou Touray expressed appreciation to RTYF and the facilitators for providing the opportunity.
“Girls’ Summer Bantaba has been a wonderful learning experience for us. We have gained new knowledge, improved our confidence and learned the importance of speaking up and supporting one another. We are grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible.”
The successful completion of the Girls’ Summer Bantaba 2026 marks another step in RTYF’s efforts to create spaces where young girls can learn, develop their potential, build confidence and contribute positively to their communities.
Raise the Young Foundation
www.rtyf.org | @RaiseTheYoung