The training, was among series organised in the selected administrative regions: Upper River, Central River, North Bank and West Coast Regions. About 240 participants across the selected regions benefited from the training sessions.
Held under the theme - ‘A New Constitution for a New Republic: Get Informed, Get Involved’, the event was aimed at equipping CBOs and local volunteers, community leaders, and educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively disseminate information and engage with the citizenry on Draft Constitution and referendum-related topics, share information and address misconceptions.
Ansumana Ceesay, program manager at the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), recalled the critical step undertaken towards engaging and empowering ‘our communities to understand, reflect upon, and contribute to shaping the future of our nation.’
Following the democratic change of government in December 2016, he said, the current government has embarked on significant reforms, including a legal reform aimed at developing a new constitution that upholds democratic principles, protects human rights, strengthens institutions and promotes good governance in The Gambia.
NCCE program manager described the development of a new constitution for The Gambia as a significant undertaking that requires broad-based participation and inclusivity.
"Despite the initial setback of the 2020 draft Constitution Bill being rejected by the fifth legislature at the national assembly, the government has revived the constitutional building process and has subsequently gazetted a Revised Draft Constitution Bill for eventual tabling in parliament." he added.
The Training of Trainers (TOT) forum, he added, would initiate in-house trainings in their respective organisations, constituencies or networks in strengthening public engagement and awareness about the importance of constitutional reform as crucial for garnering support and building consensus around the reform agenda.
He thanked the UNDP (through the EU for funding under the EU-GREAT Project initiatives for supporting this very important training.
In Basse
Bubacarr Danjo, vice chairman of Basse Area Council (BsAC) said this initiative is not just a process of education, but an act of empowering the local communities to be active participants in shaping the country’s governance and ensuring that the principles of democracy, transparency, and justice are upheld.
"The Constitution represents the very foundation of our society. It is the blueprint of our collective rights, responsibilities, and aspirations," he mentioned.
He indicated that the training is designed to equip the leaders, the influencers, and the advocates within the communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and disseminate information on the draft Constitution.
In CRR
Sainey Mbye, deputy governor for Central River Region, emphasised the role played by NCCE in raising awareness on national issues, particularly the draft Constitution. This public engagement, he observed, is crucial for a constitution that reflects citizen's needs and aspirations, while calling on the participants to make the best use of the training for the well-being of the local communities and the country at large.
