The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are mobilizing young people for massive participation in the competition. This is being demonstrated through several initiatives. In Ziguinchor, the Téranga Skills initiative organized a skills competition a few weeks ago, which concluded with the presentation of the winners who will represent the region at the national competition. Plumbing, catering, pastry making, metalwork, and hairdressing were chosen for this first edition.

According to the coordinator of FIT-Senegal, the project's organizer, the Téranga Skills initiative aims to promote the skills and expertise of young people from vocational training institutions and the Chamber of Trades through this competition. "Téranga Skills is therefore more than just a competition; it's a platform of opportunities, a springboard to employment, and a showcase of Senegalese excellence in the trades. Today, we celebrated talent, effort, and passion," stated Cheikh Ameth Tidiane Sèye. The five winners received medals and a cash prize of 150,000 CFA francs.

Alsény Bagoura, the deputy governor in charge of development, who presided over the ceremony, urged these young people to represent Ziguinchor with dignity during the national tournament: "You are now the ambassadors of the Ziguinchor region for the national competition. Carry the colors of the region proudly, be models of perseverance, innovation and humility."

The deputy governor also congratulated all the young people who participated in the competition, while highlighting the potential of the southern region in terms of its dynamic and talented youth. For Mr. Bangoura, this skills competition aligns with the vision of the highest authorities, who place young people at the heart of the nation's development policy.

"The Ziguinchor region, rich in its dynamic and talented youth, confirms that it is full of potential to be developed. This competition perfectly illustrates our country's ambition to make vocational and technical training professions true levers for integration, entrepreneurship and local development. This collective dynamic gives substance to the territorialization of public policies in the spirit of the Senegal 2050 Vision, by focusing on our human capital, in particular on our youth," the deputy governor rejoices.