The event held under the theme: ‘Empowering Local Voices -Policy Research for Community-Driven Governance’, seeks to enhance the practical skills of participants in policy research methods, data analysis, and evidence synthesis.
Mamadou A.H. Bah, Senior Program Officer at the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), emphasised the value of evidence-based advocacy in strengthening local governance.
He reminded that through the forum, participants would be able to learn how to transform community concerns into actionable policy recommendations and use research findings to engage constructively with decision-makers.
Mariama Dampha, Community Development Manager at Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), expressed optimism that the training on policy and research analysis would enhance the capacity of social workers.
"By developing their skills in policy research and analysis, social workers can better understand and address community needs, ultimately contributing to more effective governance and development in The Gambia." she noted.
The training, she added, perfectly aligns with efforts to empower local voices and promote community-driven governance.
Mr. Bakary Singhateh, Executive Coordinator of the Kanifing Municipality, also expressed similar sentiments, underscoring the importance of policy research in institutional development.
“Policy research and analysis are essential tools for strengthening governance structures and improving decision-making. By acquiring these skills, participants can meaningfully support institutional growth and contribute to more accountable and responsive governance," he mentioned.
Omar Tafsir Demba Ndow, a social worker from Banjul, expressed gratitude to the NCCE for organising such an important training on policy research and analysis.
The training, he added, would greatly enhance the capacity participants to conduct research and analyse policies, ultimately benefiting their work and the communities they serve.
