about the project
In the general framework of the fight against unemployment and in line with the policy of training young people and women, the special initiative “Invest for Jobs” with its partner ITCEP (SIDIO Group) has set up a vocational training center in Diourbel called DAARATECH - " DAARA" means school in the local language and "TECH" stands for technology. The Daaratech 2 location is a joint training center with AICC for teaching construction mechanics and welding. The aim of this training center is to offer, in partnership with German companies, AICC and local Senegalese professionals, the training of qualified master craftsmen, on-site training at the company level and the training of skilled workers in several key sectors.
Djourbel location
The Diourbel region is located in the center of Senegal on the highway between the country's two largest metropolitan areas - the capital Dakar and the religious center Touba - and is considered the workbench of these two regions with its large number of informal workshops. Diourbel is known for its strong craft tradition and the population has a wealth of experience, particularly in the field of pottery and kiln making. Despite its enormous potential, the region faces major challenges. According to Sidy Diop, the founder of the SIDIO Group based there, which is also affiliated with ITCEP, Djourbel is a dying city. Youth unemployment is very high. Due to the lack of economic prospects, many young people leave Djourbel and try Dakar. There is a lack of education among craftsmen and workers and, in general, qualified vocational training.
Setting up a training workshop
In just a few weeks, a factory hall, theory rooms and welding cabins were built in Djourbel. This was preceded by thorough planning of the workshop by AICC, including the procurement and transport of the necessary workshop equipment and tools. At the beginning of June '23, two containers with German tools arrived in Djourbel. Among other things, the containers contained welding equipment from Jess-Welding, welding accessories and smoke extraction from Abicor Binsel, power tools from Einhell, Rhodius grinding and cutting discs, drills from Ruko and workbenches and hand tools from Delker. The construction and furnishing of the workshop has been completed, so that training in welding and occupational safety has been taking place since August '23.
Goal
DAARATECH's economic model is part of a logic designed to respond to the major problems of craftsmanship found throughout Senegal, in particular the lack of technical and professional skills for the integration of young people.
The target group for training at AICC are pre-qualified technicians who want to specialize in the following professional profiles:
- Construction technology
- Construction mechanic with a focus on welding technology,
- Metal design
In the future, the project is intended to develop a radiant effect and serve as a nucleus for sustainable economic growth in the region.
