Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has concluded a capacity-building training on lobbying and advocacy skills for community-based organizations, the media, individuals, and marginalized groups. The closing ceremony was held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, under the theme “Advocacy Playbook: Demand Rights and Influence Policy.”
Speaking at the event, NCCE Program Manager Ansumana Ceesay said the initiative aimed to enhance participants’ capacity to engage in strategic and effective advocacy by equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to demand inclusion and defend their right to participation.
He emphasized that participants serve as vital links between grassroots communities and policy-making institutions, noting that civic engagement is both a right and a civic duty.
“At NCCE, we believe that inclusive participation at all levels of governance is essential to building a just, accountable, and democratic society,” Ceesay stated. “For far too long, the voices of the marginalized group, young people, women, and persons living with disability have been underrepresented in decision-making platforms.”
Jarray Jabbi, a representative of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, highlighted that for a country to truly progress, no one should be left behind, especially persons with disabilities. She added that disability is not a barrier to inclusion and that, as long as an individual has a functioning mind, providing opportunities and support can enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Still, now we are all not included; some are left behind. When disabled, seek assistance in something. I think anyone who can help should come forward,” Ms. Jabbi said.
In his remarks, Bakary Singhateh, executive coordinator at Kanifing Municipality, encouraged participants to serve as ambassadors of civic education within their communities. He urged them to share the lessons and advocacy skills gained from the training to promote awareness and foster positive change.
The NCCE is a constitutionally mandated, independent, and non-partisan institution tasked with designing, coordinating, and implementing civic education programs across The Gambia.
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