CALL FOR PROJECTS PROPOSAL FOR TVET TRAINING PROVIDERS
Project Background:
The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires the necessary foundational skills. The Government of The Gambia recognized and prioritized the challenge of having a higher quality and relevance in youth, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet labour market demands. For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.
To address these challenges, The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project (The Gambia RISE Project – P197233) is a multi-sectoral, five-year initiative of The Government of The Gambia, funded by the World Bank. The project aims to increase the foundational skills of students in early grades (Component 1), provide job-relevant training to youth (Component 2), and boost income-generating opportunities, including for the poor and vulnerable (Component 3), in The Gambia. The Gambia’s National Development Plan (2023-2027) prioritizes Human Capital Development (Pillar IV) and Empowerment, Social Inclusion and Leaving No One Behind (Pillar VI). The RISE project is aligned with the Government’s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2016-2030 and The Gambia National Social Protection Policy 2015-2025.
The project is being implemented by multiple Implementing Entities (IEs): the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), and the National Nutrition Agency/National Social Protection Secretariat (NaNA/NSPS). Each of these IEs lead technical activities within their respective domains. The RISE Project is coordinated and managed by a Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU) within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
Objectives of Window 2 of the SIE Fund:
As part of Component 2 of the RISE Project, the SIE Fund has launched a funding programme that promotes the development of skills in technical and vocational training in programmes relevant to the needs of The Gambia economy, taking into account the country's strategic priorities and helping to adopt a demand-driven approach, involving a stronger partnership with the productive sector.
The purpose of this notice is to lay down the basis for the process of submitting applications and selecting proposals for the funding of projects linked to vocational training in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the SIE Fund Manual.
This window will provide training grants, offering competitive funding for TVET institutions to enrol youths and secondary school graduates in quality training programs in The Gambia. The window also allows for TVET institutions to enrol women & youth admitted into a three-month short-term training
Expected results of Window 2:
Institutions are expected to align their proposed training programs with level 4 (TVET Certificate), level 5 (TVET Diploma / TVET National Diploma), and level 6 (TVET Higher National Diploma / TVET Higher National Diploma) of the Gambia National Qualifications Framework (GNQF). The identified programmes as part of the submission are expected to:
• Increase enrolments in TVET programmes.
• Target vulnerable social groups, including women and the physically challenged.
• Produce a graduate rate of at least 80 per cent amongst the trainees.
• Ensure that the drop-out rate per training course does not exceed 20 per cent of trainees.
• Create an employability rate of at least 70 per cent, six (6) months after completion of the training.
Please Note : Achievement of the targets in the indicators highlighted is binding for receiving the last tranche of funding as per the payment plan for Window 2.
Eligibility of Institutions - Beneficiaries
The following institutions are eligible to participate in the competition as main beneficiaries:
• Public or private training providers registered and accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).
Beneficiaries (training providers) must comply with the following requirements:
• Not be in default in relation to a financial support granted by a similar fund;
• No case of liability with a financial institution;
• Must have a proper financial management system; and,
• Should have their tax and social security situation regularised.
The eligibility analysis will be carried out in the process of review the applications and in releasing the disbursements.
Deadlines
The deadlines for submission of proposals are on Sunday 31st August, 2025 at 12:00 PM and should be sent electronically.
Sending a proposal:
The proposal must be sent electronically via email siefmoherst@gmail.com in one PDF document, and a hard copy to be delivered to the SIE Fund Secretariat at MoHERST. Please use this email address also to submit questions about the proposal. Proposals submitted after the date and time indicated in the Call for Proposals will not be accepted, regardless of the justifications that may be put forward, and by any means other than those mentioned in the previous point.
For more information, please contact the Ministry on : 2040321/3160194
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