10 People Trained On Puppet

At least 10 people have successful completed a four-week intensive training on puppet at a ceremony held at Concern Universal Head office in Fajara.

Speaking at the closing ceremony recently, Mrs. Kay Sey, the Programme Coordinator of the Concern Universal told the trainees that "Puppets are well- known and are regularly used for educating communities, especially for AIDS Education) in East and Southern Africa."

According to her, there are only two puppet groups in the Gambia, namely Taru and Soul talk. "These groups are pioneers in this country, using puppets to convey health and empowerment messages to members of the community, from your children upwards".

She disclosed that they only knew how to make the simple hand puppets, which she noted, they have been using for many years.

"The groups soaked up new information like sponges, keeping up with the relentless pace set. I feel really privileged to have worked with such an enthusiastic, committed and friendly group of people" she stated.

For her part, the Programme Director of Soul Talk, Mberry Sarr said they were first shown how puppets can be used as communication tools in development. "Allover Africa, we saw that puppets have been used in different forms. I never know that monks in African culture are also puppets, like our Kumpo, Kankurang and Gesseh," she stated.

She revealed that this training has also taught participants how to write appropriate scripts, depending on the target groups.

She further pointed out that, as development agents looking for different ways of communicating messages, puppets are a fun alternative and may always guarantee success with children, parents and even the community.

Speaking earlier, Buba. D. Bojang the Programme Director of Taru underscored the importance of the session, noting that it has been a great achievement for both organisations.

Noting that the training has built their individual capacities, he said, the training was well organised as it had suited everyone involved in it