ACTIVISTA trains youth to become trainers, change-makers

A weeklong training of trainers (TOT) for twenty-eight youths ended at the weekend at the Nematoulie Lodge in Brikama.

The training of trainers programme was initiated to address the urgent need of national trainers to avoid depending solely on Activista International training teams.

Four regional activistas were identified from their various regions, each to be able to analyze his or her own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities to meet the training needs of Activista The Gambia (including the ability to establish support networks in order to fully participate in community life and effect positive social change.

Participants, at the end of the training, came up with plans to train Activista members in their regions thus responding to the national training needs of Activista.

The training was held to create regional and national trainer teams who will be addressing needs of capacity building on campaigning for social change both at local and national levels.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Lamin Saidykhan, national coordinator, in a brief remark expressed appreciation to all the participants who contributed in making the training a success.

Ann-Soffie Jespersen said all the participants were   incredible as the training has been the greatest Activista training so far.

The Activista national board treasurer, Khaddijatou Manneh, said she was touched by the love and talents shown by participants.

She urged the participants to put their skills to test in their various regions and communities.

Hawalatou Jallow, a participant from the Upper River Region, in her vote of thanks, commended the EU-funded Non-State Actors Strengthening Programme for supporting the training.

Participants, such as Saiba T. Susso and Mariam Njie from West Coast and Central River Regions, expressed their satisfaction with the training.

Ousman Marong, a trainer, equally commended the group for the well organised training and urged the participants to make the best use of the knowledge gained from it.