The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, convened a Validation Workshop on the Draft National Internship Policy, bringing together key stakeholders from government institutions, educational and training institutions, employers, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
The workshop, held as part of efforts to develop a comprehensive framework for internship programmes in The Gambia, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review, refine, and provide inputs to strengthen the draft policy before its finalization and adoption.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez, said the National Internship Policy aligns with the Ministry’s transformation agenda and the broader national development priorities on human capital development, decent work, quality education, and inclusive economic growth.
The Minister highlighted the importance of creating structured internship opportunities that support young people in gaining practical workplace experience, developing relevant skills, building professional networks, and improving their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship.
He noted that while internship initiatives currently exist under the coordination and supervision of institutions including the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), the absence of a common policy framework has resulted in challenges related to standards, supervision, access, and monitoring.
According to Hon. Professor Gomez, the National Internship Policy seeks to address these gaps by establishing clear guidelines, institutional roles, quality standards, and coordination mechanisms to guide internship programmes across both the public and private sectors.
He further explained that NAQAA will have the overall mandate to coordinate and supervise the implementation of the policy.
“This policy is not simply about creating internship opportunities. It is about ensuring that every internship provides meaningful learning experiences, promotes fairness and inclusivity, safeguards the rights and welfare of interns, and strengthens partnerships between education providers and employers,” the Minister stated.
Honorable Professor Gomez emphasized that successful implementation of the policy requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders, noting that government alone cannot achieve the desired outcomes without strong collaboration with employers, training institutions, development partners, and civil society.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in the validation process by critically reviewing the draft policy, identifying gaps, and providing practical recommendations that will ensure the final document is responsive to labour market needs and capable of serving future generations.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to the staff of MoHERST, NAQAA, and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of the policy, describing their collaboration as a demonstration of shared commitment to advancing youth employment and skills development.
The validation workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by MoHERST to strengthen education and workforce development systems and create pathways that enable young Gambians to transition successfully from learning to productive employment.
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