By: Ebrima Konateh
From the hills of Fulladu Saruja in The Gambia’s Central River Region to the vibrant communities of Baddibou in the North Bank Region, my journey has been one of resilience, faith, and self-discovery.
My name is Ebrima Konateh. I was born in Fulladu Saruja but spent most of my childhood in Baddibou Kerewan, where my parents settled due to my father’s profession as an agricultural engineer. Growing up, I was nurtured in a home that valued education, humility, and service. Balancing between English and Arabic schools was never easy, yet it taught me discipline and determination, two values that would later define my life.
From a young age, I developed a passion for leadership and youth empowerment. I actively participated in student-led initiatives and district-level athletic competitions. In 2018, I was elected as the Head Boy of Kerewan Upper and Basic Cycle School, following my service as a School Councillor. That position strengthened my love for advocacy and community engagement.
After successfully completing my GABECE examinations, I pursued my senior secondary education at Maahad Senior School, where I continued to serve in leadership roles, including President of the Student Government. In 2023, I graduated as the Best Outstanding Government Student, a milestone that affirmed my dedication to both academics and service.
The Heart-Touching Part
Shortly after completing my Grade 12 examinations, I was filled with joy and optimism about the future. However, like many other young people, I became intrigued by stories of friends who had made it to Europe through the so-called “backway.”
After deep reflection and several consultations, I decided to take the same path. Our journey began from Senegal, but before reaching Mauritania, our boat encountered mechanical issues and was intercepted by the Senegalese Navy, forcing us to return home. Sadly, rumours quickly spread that I had successfully reached Spain, but in truth, I was back home, broken and disheartened.
Two weeks later, driven by desperation and hope, I made another attempt. This time, after five days at sea, our boat faced another problem, and our captain decided to turn back. Alhamdulillah, I survived again.
That experience changed my perspective on life. It made me realise that the search for a better future must begin within ourselves and our communities. With renewed purpose, I co-founded the Lower Baddibou Children and Youth Committee, an initiative designed to raise awareness on irregular migration and to create opportunities for young people through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Despite the setbacks, I refused to give up. I returned to school, collected my results (seven solid credits), and gained admission into the Management Development Institute (MDI) to pursue a Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations.
By December, I will complete my diploma, marking the beginning of yet another chapter in my academic and leadership journey. I aim to serve as a voice for my generation, a youth committed to transforming challenges into opportunities.
To every young person who has faced failure or disappointment, to every returnee who has lost hope, remember, your story is not over. When one journey ends, a new purpose begins. When one day closes, try another one. Let my story remind you that success is not about where you start, but how far you are willing to go with faith, courage, and determination.
By: Ebrima Konateh From the hills of Fulladu Saruja in The Gambia’s Central River Region to the vibrant communities of Baddibou in the North Bank Region, my journey has been one of resilience, faith, and self-discovery. My name is Ebrima Konateh. I was born in Fulladu Saruja but spent most of my childhood in Baddibou The Fatu Network
