The
Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) in partnership with
Local Rights Program 9 of Upper Nuimi, recently organised a two-day community
interface with duty bearers and rights holders on programmes and activities
implemented by NGOs and institutions in Upper Nuimi.
The
programme funded by ActionAid International The Gambia, was meant to promote
social accountability and accelerate human rights approach to development.
The
synergy held in Kerewan, North Bank Region attracted beneficiary farmers, the
National Assembly Member for Upper Nuimi and Regional Governor Ebrima KS
Dampha.
Speaking
on the occasion, Mamsamba Joof, Executive Director of ADWAC, underscored the
important the two agencies attach in creating a platform in which duty bearers
and rights holders interact in promoting shared learning and enable them to be
aware of the intervention of other development organizations and institutions
in improving lives and livelihood.
He noted that the interface would bridge
barriers and enhance social accountability on how the intervention contributes
to transform their lives and livelihoods.
The
director thanked heads of institutions and organizations for their invaluable
support in promoting shared learning and creating more awareness among farmers.
For
his part, Governor Ebrima KS Dampha, lauded ADWAC and ActionAid International
The Gambia for the foresight, noting that the interface would contribute in
empowering communities to be aware of what their development partners are doing
for their livelihoods.
He said the initiative would enable development
workers to complement each other’s effort and avoid duplication of efforts and
contribute to sustainable development.
Hon.
Omar Darboe, National Assembly Member for Upper Nuimi, expressed delight on the
intervention of ADWAC and ActionAid International The Gambia in improving
economic development, food security, women’s empowerment and livelihood
development in Upper Nuimi.
He
described the interface as a method of enhancing and promoting human rights
approach to development and making both actors and beneficiaries accountable to
each other.
Paul
Mendy, Regional Education Director for region 3, echoed similar sentiments and
called on all stakeholders to be vigilant supportive of each other’s efforts.
The
synergy also provided a platform which institutions and NGOs used to highlight some of the challenges that
deter them from responding to the developmental needs of the rights holders.
Chief
Momodou Chatty Cham of Upper Nuimi, praised ADWAC and ActionAid International
for their continuous support in enhancing the
lives and livelihoods of rural
farmers.
He
remarked that the intervention has contributed significantly in championing
human rights approach to development, citing land rights and women
representation in the decision making process.
Alh.
Lamin Ceesay, chairperson of Kerewan Area Council, called on institutions and
organizations to promote networking and information sharing to avoid
duplication of efforts and to ensure and enhance the harnessing of grassroots
consultation and involvement in the implementation of development projects.
He
assured of council support and collaboration on this noble initiatives.
