By Mustapha Jallow
The 6th edition of the ‘CinemArena’ mobile caravan has been launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in The Gambia. This initiative aims to create awareness about irregular migration and empower the youth. The mobile caravan will conduct information and educational campaigns to encourage the use of legal migration paths and deter the dangers of irregular migration in remote and underprivileged areas.
According to Emmanuel, the Chief of Mission for IOM in The Gambia, the organization is committed to collaborating with communities to support the safety and empowerment of young people. As part of its ‘CinemArena’ initiative, which will run from 2023 to 2025, d’Ivoirethd’Ivoiren will travel to five countries, including The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Tunisia. The team will engage with locals in their respective communities, encouraging parents, community leaders, women, and young people to discuss and address the root causes of irregular migration. The IOM hopes to explore alternative opportunities with these groups to provide viable options for their future.
During the ‘CinemA’ena’ launch in Essau, located in the North Bank Region, Alagie Jarju, the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, spoke about the potential for positive change in attitudes” and behaviors towards irregular migration among young people. He emphasized the importance of “self-belief” and taking advantage of the opportunities within the country.
Fatou Ceesay, a returnee from Libya, also shared her testimony on her ‘irregular’ journey, attesting to the painful realities of irregular migration.
