From Heartache to Hope: A Mother's Resilient Journey

In the dusty streets of Barra, a small ferry town on the north bank of the River Gambia, Fatoumatta, a symbol of resilience, stands in the doorway of her modest home, her eyes fixed on the horizon. Just three years ago, that same horizon had swallowed her eldest son, Baboucar, as he embarked on a perilous journey to Europe in search of a better life.

"Every morning, I would wake up and touch Baboucar's empty bed," Fatoumatta recalls, her weathered hands twisting the fabric of her colourful wrapper. "The silence in our home was deafening."

Like many mothers in The Gambia, Fatoumatta had always dreamed of a brighter future for her children. But those dreams often seem out of reach in a country where youth unemployment hovers around 40% and quality education remains a luxury for many.

"I wanted to give my children the world," Fatoumatta sighs, "but some days, I could barely put food on the table. When Baboucar left in January 2020, I was torn between hope for his future and fear for his life."

For six agonising months, Fatoumatta lived in a state of constant worry. Then, in July 2020, a miracle happened. Baboucar returned home, assisted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"When I saw him walk through that door, I thought my heart would burst," Fatoumatta says, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But the joy of his return was soon overshadowed by the reality of our situation. Baboucar was home, but what future awaited him here?"

In this moment of despair, the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), a joint initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Gambian government, entered their lives.

Emmanuel Murwisi, IOM's chief of mission in The Gambia, explains the crucial link between the two organisations: "We don't just bring migrants home; we work to ensure they have opportunities when they return. That's where our partnership with YEP becomes vital."

When Baboucar received a YEP scholarship to pursue chef training in August 2020, it was a turning point. The hope and optimism that the scholarship brought to Baboucar and Fatoumatta were palpable. 'It was like Allah had answered our prayers,' she smiles. 'Suddenly, Baboucar had a chance to pursue his passion right here at home.'

Over the next 18 months, Fatoumatta watched her son transform. The defeated young man who had returned from Libya blossomed into a confident, skilled chef with dreams of his own.

"Every day, Baboucar would come home smelling of spices and excitement," Fatoumatta laughs. "He would practice his new recipes on us, turning our simple ingredients into feasts fit for a king."

In December 2022, Baboucar graduated top of his class and secured an internship at a prestigious restaurant in Banjul. The impact on the family has been profound.

"For the first time in years, we can breathe easier," Fatoumatta says. "Baboucar contributes to our household expenses, and his younger siblings are inspired to pursue their own dreams. My neighbour’s daughter, Mariama, 16, now talks about becoming a doctor. She says if Baboucar can do it, so can she."

The change extends beyond finances. Fatoumatta has noticed a shift in her community's attitude towards migration. "People used to see sending their children to Europe as the only way out of poverty," she explains. "Now, they're starting to see that with the right support, our youth can build successful lives right here in The Gambia."

As the sun sets over Barra, casting long shadows across the sandy streets, Fatoumatta reflects on her family's journey. "Three years ago, I thought I had lost my son to the sea," she says softly. "Today, thanks to IOM and YEP, I have not only regained my son but gained hope for all my children's futures."

Looking ahead, Fatoumatta dreams of the day when Baboucar will open his own restaurant. "He talks about creating jobs for other young people in Barra," she says proudly. "Can you imagine? My son, helping other mothers' children find their way."

She pauses, then adds with a warm smile, "And who knows? Maybe one day, people will come from all over the world to taste the dishes of Barra, thanks to my Baboucar. That's a future worth staying for, don't you think?"

Fatoumatta's story is a powerful testament to the ripple effect of UN interventions like IOM's reintegration support and YEP's training programs. By transforming one young person's life, these initiatives can uplift entire families and communities, weaving a tapestry of hope and opportunity across The Gambia.

*Not her real name