The two-day Linking and Learning Workshop aims to engage grassroots community development organisations that operate at the local level, to engage them in community participation to address key issues affecting local communities and advocate for positive change through community sensitisations.
The workshop also guides participants on the roles and responsibilities of community-based organisations and how to operate and function according to the rules of NGO Affairs under the Government of the Gambia.
Mr Ebrima Jatta the Chairperson at Casa Gambia speaking at the occasion said that Casa Gambia has been operating as a local NGO and charitable organisation since 2015, with a key focus on alleviating poverty and targeting vulnerable communities. Our focus areas include Education, Community Development, Health Sector, and Capacity Building.
According to Mr Jatta, Casa Gambia recently awarded various projects to communities worth over 12 million dalasis for the expansion and renovation of the maternity ward at Brufut Health Center. The Local NGO also donated learning materials to more than 100 students this year, which is part of the thematic areas of the organisation's commitment to supporting education in the Gambia.
Ms Ylva Dantuma from Wilden Gazen a charitable organisation based in Holland speaking at the event said, we are grateful to partner with Casa Gambia to strengthen our support to alleviate poverty in local vulnerable communities, and to support community-based organisations, to support their involvement and participation in their respective communities.
“This will be an annual event that will guide us to map out key intervention areas that we might implement with our local partners through Casa Gambia,” said Ms Ylva Dantuma.
Mr. Nfamara Jarjue from NGO Affairs, Ministry of Land and Local Government urged the community-based organisation to follow the legal process and criteria for CSOs and NGO registrations. Our agency monitors the operational plans of every NGO registered in the Gambia for accountability and transparency process.
Mr Ousman Sonko the Vice Principal at Rural Development Institute at Mansakonko LRR addressed the participants, by explaining to them that, effective community engagement helps to strengthen local authorities to make key decisions by supporting local communities through dialogue.
“Working with village development wards and being involved through consultations with them develops constructive relationships, between local communities and government, enabling government and local partners to support their needs and community projects,” Sonko concluded.
