TİKA in The Gambia

Happy Tobaski

As TiKA, in line with Türkiye's vision of people-centred development cooperation, we continue to build bridges towards a sustainable future in every corner of the African continent.

From education to healthcare, from agriculture to vocational training and the preservation of cultural heritage, we are partners in the continent’s strength and potential in every project we implement. Together, we are building the future, fostering friendship and solidarity through sustainable development.

Happy ! 🇹🇷🫱🏼‍🫲🏾🌍

TiKA supported the delivery of Public Order Management Training for 100 officers of the Gambia Police Force Police Intervention Unit, as part of its efforts to strengthen institutional capacity in the security sector.

The 15-day training was conducted in The Gambia by a delegation from the Foça Gendarmerie Commando Training Command under TiKA coordination. A total of 65 male and 35 female officers received practical training on crowd control, public order protection, tactical movement, proportionate response, arrest procedures, and human rights-based policing in line with international law enforcement standards.

The closing and certificate ceremony was attended by H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, senior officials of the Gambia Police Force, public institutions, and invited guests. During the ceremony, trained officers demonstrated their newly acquired skills through a public order intervention scenario.

We congratulate all 100 Police Intervention Unit officers who successfully completed the programme and extend our appreciation to the Turkish Gendarmerie trainers for their valuable contribution.

TiKA will continue to support capacity-building, human resource development, and the sharing of Türkiye’s institutional experience with partner countries. 🇹🇷🇬🇲

Türkiye in The Gambia

Call for Applications
The Turkish Language Program for Public Officials and Academicians (KATIP)
Academic Year 2026–2027

The KATIP Fellowship Program is a prestigious opportunity for foreign public officials, diplomats, academicians, and researchers who wish to learn Turkish and gain a deeper understanding of Türkiye. The program aims to strengthen communication networks and foster stronger relations between Türkiye and partner countries.

Program Highlights
• Intensive Turkish language training (A1–B2 certification)
• Seminars delivered by distinguished professors on diverse topics
• Cultural trips across Türkiye
• Workshops on classical Turkish arts and traditional sports
• Opportunities for short-term internships and collaboration with public institutions, think tanks, media organizations, and universities

Eligibility Criteria
• Public officials with a minimum of 3 years of service, preferably holding a Master’s or PhD degree
• Academicians and researchers employed at a university or research center, preferably holding a Master’s or PhD degree
• Applicants must be under 40 years old as of January 1, 2026
• Proficiency in English is required
• Applicants must not be residing in Türkiye or currently benefiting from other Türkiye Scholarships programs

Program Details
• Duration: 8 months (based in Ankara)
• Scholarship coverage includes tuition fees, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation, residence permit fees, trips, and cultural activities
• Health insurance must be covered by participants themselves
• Participants are required to maintain at least 80% attendance in classes, seminars, and events

Language Training
The Turkish language course begins at the A1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Successful participants will receive a B2 Turkish Language Certificate upon completion of the 8-month program.

Important Conditions
• Scholarship support will be reduced by 20% for participants who fail level examinations
• Continued absence or repeated failure may lead to termination of the scholarship, and previously provided funds may be reclaimed

Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through:
tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

For detailed information, visit:
katip.ytb.gov.tr

Application Steps

1. Create an account using a valid email address at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
2. Complete your personal, educational, and professional information
3. Access the KATIP 2026–2027 application form and upload the required documents
4. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews
5. All applicants will be notified of the results via email and through the application system

Required Documents
• Passport or National ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Academic transcript
• Diploma or certificate
• Letter of intent
• Proof of employment
• Official workplace approval to participate
• Recommendation letters from the workplace

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

TiKA has started preparatory work for the establishment of The Gambia’s first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Within this framework, a delegation from Ankara University Cebeci Hospital visited The Gambia on 4–5 May 2026. The delegation was composed of Prof. Dr. Tanıl Kendirli, Chief Physician of Ankara University Cebeci Hospital, and Mr. Alper Köremezli, Technical Manager of the hospital.

During the programme, the delegation carried out technical inspections at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and held consultations with World Health Organization The Gambia Office, UNICEF The Gambia, the Ministry of Health, and Director of Health Services Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi.

The delegation also met with the Chief Medical Director and his team at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. As part of the programme, Prof. Dr. Tanıl Kendirli delivered a training session for healthcare professionals at the hospital.

In addition to the health-sector consultations, the delegation visited TiKA The Gambia Office, Yunus Emre Institute, Maarif School and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Banjul.

The planned Pediatric Intensive Care Unit aims to strengthen critical care capacity, improve referral services, and support the treatment of children requiring intensive medical attention in The Gambia.

TiKA will continue to support sustainable healthcare capacity and child health services in The Gambia.

TiKA continues its efforts to strengthen the capacity of emergency healthcare services in The Gambia through the Emergency Medicine Capacity Building Programme (ATKAP).

Launched in 2021 in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of The Gambia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, the programme focuses on strengthening local emergency response capacity through sustainable training models.

As part of the 2026 implementation cycle, the Introduction to Emergency Response Training (ADG+) was delivered at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital by Gambian doctors who had previously completed the programme under the training of trainers model. Medical training equipment provided by TiKA also contributed to ensuring the continuity and local ownership of the programme.

A total of 22 emergency medicine personnel received both theoretical and practical training covering emergency response, basic life support, trauma management, disaster preparedness, and crisis teamwork.

Through ATKAP, TiKA aims to strengthen the human resource capacity of emergency healthcare services, improve case management skills, and enhance rapid, effective, and coordinated responses during critical situations.

By prioritizing local capacity building and sustainability, TiKA continues to support the strengthening of The Gambia’s healthcare system through long-term cooperation in the health sector.