Status: Published

Classification: Window 1

Category: Infrastructure Development

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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 leads technical activities within its respective domain. 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 1:

The Institutional Improvement Window aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Enhance Program Quality: Provide grants to support the development and revision of TVET programs, ensuring they align with the national qualifications framework and industry standards.
• Invest in Trainer Development: Offer resources for professional development opportunities for trainers, equipping them with the latest skills and pedagogical approaches.
• Modernize Facilities and Equipment: Provide funding for the upgrade and expansion of training facilities and the acquisition of essential equipment, fostering a conducive learning environment.
• Establish Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hubs: Support the creation of dedicated hubs within TVET institutions to nurture a culture of innovation and equip students with entrepreneurial skills.

Expected Results of Window 1:

Institutions are expected to align their submissions to include improvements towards enhancing programmes that will support level 4 (TVET Certificate), level 5 (TVET Diploma / TVET National Diploma), or level 6 (TVET Higher National Diploma / TVET Higher National Diploma) of the Gambia National Qualifications Framework (GNQF). 
The identified institutional improvement 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 must 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.

Beneficiary TVET institutions 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.

Deadline: 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