Westfield, The Gambia – September 22, 2025 – GYIN Gambia Chapter is proud to welcome two new interns, Julie Tenten and Maren, who have joined the organization for a three-month internship from August to November 2025. Their arrival marks another milestone in GYIN Gambia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and youth-led development through meaningful exchange and hands-on learning.
Julie and Maren, both graduate students from Germany, will support the implementation of Agri-Food Processing and Labeling and Digital Skills training programs aimed at empowering returnee migrants and rural youth. Their contributions are expected to bring fresh perspectives and strengthen GYIN’s community-based initiatives across The Gambia.
At the official orientation, Mamadou Edrisa Njie, Executive Director of GYIN Gambia Chapter, warmly welcomed the interns:
“We are delighted to have Julie and Maren join our team. Their decision to work with us reflects the growing impact of our programs and the value of international collaboration. We look forward to the energy and insight they will bring to our work.”
Julie Tenten, pursuing her Master’s in Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, is supporting the rollout of an employment skills program for returnee migrants, with a focus on agrofood processing and digital empowerment in partnership with NEDI. From her first days, Julie has shown great initiative, actively contributing to the development of the program’s detailed implementation plan.
“I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the team and I’m excited to see the program come to life in the communities,” Julie shared.
Maren, a student of Ecological Agricultural Sciences at the University of Kassel, is assisting with the preparation and delivery of training courses in agri-food processing and digital skills. Her academic background and enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture make her a valuable addition to the team.
“It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that works so closely with communities. I’m looking forward to the months ahead,” Maren said.
Ida L.B. Ceesay, Business Development Officer at GYIN, emphasized the importance of international collaboration:
“Collaborative work with international partners brings a deeper understanding of how different countries approach youth development on a daily basis.”
Jainaba Njie, Programme Officer at GYIN, emphasized the importance of such internships in building capacity and fostering global partnerships:
“Our internship program continues to be a bridge between cultures and a platform for mutual learning. Julie and Maren’s presence here is a testament to the strength of our international collaborations.”
This internship experience is expected to deepen Julie and Maren’s understanding of grassroots development while contributing meaningfully to GYIN Gambia’s mission of empowering youth through entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and digital innovation. Their involvement reflects GYIN’s ongoing dedication to nurturing future leaders and expanding its impact through cross-border cooperation.