TANGO holds AGM

The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) last Thursday held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the organisation’s head office in Kanifing.

In his statement on the occasion, the chairman of board of directors of TANGO, Yankuba Dibba, said 2011 marks twenty-eight years of Tango’s existence.

During that period, the organisation has distinguished itself as a major service provider and partner in development across all sectors in the country.

Mr Dibba added that with 63 members and still growing, TANGO has immense potential to contribute towards addressing the development needs of The Gambia, through influencing public policy as well as bringing about better coordination and resource mobilisation for its members.

He registered the appreciation of the board, management and staff of the association for the support being provided by the membership in various ways.

He added that in the recent past, the board noted with satisfaction the contribution of TANGO to both the development of The Gambia and facilitating the operation and management of its members.

In resource mobilisation, Mr Dibba said the board registered its appreciation to Concern Universal for having provided for the excel project, resources of about D3.5 million to build and strengthen the management and governance capacities of TANGO members.

Mr Dibba also specially commended the VSO for providing the services of a VSO volunteer who played a crucial role in overseeing the successful implementation of the excel project.

He added that the board has put on record the support that is being provided by the African Capacity Building Foundation for a four-year project costing US$1million for the purpose of building the capacity of NGOs in policy engagement, project and financial management as well as other professional development initiatives.

“This project has recruited key staff and it is envisaged that very soon implementation of activities will be in full gear,” he said.

For his part, the executive director of TANGO, Ousman Yabo, acknowledged the support of the Government of The Gambia for creating the space for civil society organisations to engage meaningfully with government at all levels as well as with other development partners.

TANGO is here for them, he told members, adding that the organizations is always and ever ready to listen to their challenges and problems and see how it can contribute to finding solutions to them.