GBoS, Paris 21 train NA staff on data collection

The training funded by Statistics for Development in the 21st Century, Paris 21 through The Gambia Bureau of Statistics, seeks to enhance and hone the capacity and skills participants for data collection. It is also aimed at building the capacity of participants on how to access data from the Gambia Bureau of Statistics and to know how data is obtained.

Moreover, Paris 21 is ready to engage policy-makers in data discussions and increasing data literacy skills of public servants.

Philippe Ngango Gafishi, Paris 21Secretariat, who also doubles as inter-regional advisor, outlined the importance of data and building the capacity of National Assembly staff.

“It's important that you as experts supporting Members of the National Assembly to understand the importance of data and how to use data to help them take evidence-based decisions and to meet the high objective vision of the authorities which is improving Gambian lives.” 

Thus, training, he added, is set to look at the frequent loss of essential skills to systematically use evidence in their work of representation, legislation and oversight. 

Daniel Cardos, deputy clerk of Legislative and Programs at the National Assembly said the parliament has been working to strengthen structures on data collection while applauding GBoS for the initiative. 

Cardos recalled that the parliament some years back was looking more at results-based management strategies and techniques, which he said, is the primary objective of evidence based research.

“We have strengthened some of the departments within the National Assembly as the library and research are equipped with the skills on how to find information and data.” 

Nyakassi M.B. Sanyang, Statistician General at The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) reiterated that National Assembly plays a key role as far as implementation of policies are concerned, further stating that equipping the assembly’s staff on key information is therefore ‘very vital.’ 

“Data can improve lives and that is why we commonly say better data, better lives. There is no doubt that parliament are powerful actors that can change lives using data and therefore enhancing their understanding and knowledge on the use and importance of data for the development of the nation.” 

Malagie Dumbuya, director of Library and Research at the National Assembly and a participant, described the forum as ‘timely and important’ for participants.

“This training will no doubt add value to their work as they deal with data every day. So, if we have an institution like GBoS that collaborates with the National Assembly to help us use and manage data, of course we are hopeful that it is going to make our work easier and to chart a way forward for us to collaborate with GBoS." he said. 

Fatou Marega, principal ICT officer at the National Assembly, spoke on the importance of processing data amid the digital age.

"We are in a digital world so I think any information we have we need to try and digitalise it as it will make life easy for everybody." she said.