By Sainabou Sambou
Under the relentless Gambian sun, 29-year-old Karamo Bangura sits at his modest roadside stall, surrounded by neatly arranged handcrafted shoes. Each pair tells a story of patience, skill, and an unwavering passion that has defined his life since he was a teenager. For Karamo, shoemaking is not just a livelihood—it is a calling, a purpose that transcends the daily grind and points toward a brighter future for himself and others.
“I started making shoes when I was just 16,” Karamo says, his eyes gleaming with quiet pride. “It’s not just a job. It’s my passion.” What began as a youthful curiosity has blossomed into a lifelong commitment to a craft rooted in creativity and perseverance. While many of his peers chase quick-paying jobs or risk dangerous migrations in search of better opportunities, Karamo has chosen a different path that demands patience and celebrates the art of making something with his own hands.
In The Gambia, where youth unemployment looms large, Karamo’s story stands out. According to a 2023 report by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, a significant portion of the country’s young people are either unemployed or underemployed, with limited access to formal job opportunities. The International Labour Organization (ILO) echoes this concern, noting that youth unemployment is a growing challenge across Africa. Development experts and institutions are increasingly championing skills training as a sustainable solution. A 2022 UNESCO report underscores this: “Quality TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] systems can reduce poverty and promote decent work, especially for marginalized groups.”
Karamo’s journey embodies this vision. His dedication to shoemaking is a testament to the transformative power of vocational skills, offering a viable alternative to the economic despair that drives many young Gambians to risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean. “This work is not about the money for me,” he says earnestly. “It’s something I truly enjoy doing.”
Yet, the road to sustaining his craft is fraught with challenges. Karamo’s income is unpredictable—some days, he makes decent sales; others, he returns home empty-handed. To keep his business alive, he moves from one community to another, carrying his handmade shoes in search of buyers. His prices—D100 to D150 for children’s shoes and D200 to D250 for adult pairs—are modest by many standards, but customers often balk. “Sometimes they complain that my shoes are expensive,” Karamo says with a hint of frustration. “Some will just come, ask questions, and leave without buying.”
The rising cost of materials further erodes his slim profits. Leather, thread, and other essentials are not cheap, and each pair of shoes represents a delicate balance between quality and affordability. Despite these hurdles, Karamo remains undeterred. “I don’t want to be jobless. I chose to learn a skill,” he declares, his voice firm with resolve.
Karamo’s ambitions extend far beyond his roadside stall. He dreams of a future where his craft becomes a beacon of opportunity for others. “One day, I want to train young people in shoemaking and create employment opportunities for them,” he says. In a country where the lure of migration often overshadows local possibilities, his vision is revolutionary—a call to empower youth through skills and self-reliance.
Stories like Karamo’s are powerful reminders of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. His work is more than a trade; it’s a lifeline, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. As he stitches each shoe with care, he’s also weaving a narrative of hope—one that challenges the status quo and inspires others to see the value in their own skills.
In The Gambia’s bustling markets and quiet villages, Karamo Bangura is quietly redefining success. His journey from a 16-year-old apprentice to a visionary artisan proves that with dedication and a dream, even the humblest craft can catalyze change. As he looks to the future, Karamo carries his shoes and a bold vision for a generation empowered by the transformative power of skill.
The post From Passion to Purpose: Karamo Bangura’s Shoemaking Odyssey in The Gambia appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
