Held at the Trans-Gambia lodge in Pakalinding, Lower River Region, the training is part of a project entitled “Promoting grassroots democracy for effective decentralisation”.
WANEP is implementing the project with funding from Action Aid International The Gambia.
The Link Committees, established as a pilot phase in 2013 in URR and NBR, seek to bridge the gap between the local government structures and their communities.The committees work closely with and complement area councils of their respective regions.
The training of the committees includes modules on the Local Government Act, 2002; the Finance and Audit Act; the concepts of decentralisation; advocacy and networking skills; conflict analysis and peace-building.
The acting national coordinator of WANEP, Ms Anna Jones, said training the Link Committees would promote cordial working relationship with local councils in the dispensation of their duties and building the synergy between the duty bearers and the rights holders.
Ms Catherine P. Jassey, in her vote of thanks, expressed “sincere appreciation” to Action Aid for supporting WANEP to conduct such training.
She urged the two Link Committees to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability beyond the funding cycle.