The project implemented by the National Youth Parliament – The Gambia and its regional chapters was was conducted from the 12th to the 14th March, 2021. This was to assess whether, and to what extent the social inclusion and the reintegration service has improved the lives of migrant returnees, combat stigma and discrimination as well as provide platform for returnees to share their experiences. The project engaged 175 individuals including youth groups, women groups, community leaders, National Assembly Members, Ward Councilors, persons living with disabilities and most importantly migrant returnees. The activities were implemented across the 7 regions of the Gambia. Participants from different villages and communities within the regions were in attendance.

The implementation of this project was conducted through approaches that involved dialogue between National Assembly Members, Councilors, community elders, youths, returnees and families of returnees on the issue of migration-deportation and its effects on the youth population, households and the communities with specific focus on shining light on challenges stalling reintegration efforts. The team went further to explore the effects of this journey on the social lives of the people.

To include every participant in the discussion, the facilitators used approaches that will prepare the mindsets of individuals especially the returnees to explain their challenges. Questions were raised with space given to every participant to state recommendation as to how to strengthen reintegration services and present a word of motivation and encouragement. In this regard, we were able to note that most migrants still have not receive any support since their return and those that have received have either failed in their businesses or used the funds unwisely.

In tandem, the platform provided the returnees a unique opportunity to openly discuss with the participants present about the stigma and discrimination they face in their communities with a view to putting a stop to it for quick and successful reintegration.  In addition, returnees in all the regions used the opportunity to share their experience of the perilous journey and further discouraged their peers from embarking on it.

Accordingly, the returnees had the opportunity to project their challenges to key decision-makers such as National Assembly Members and Councilors.