NGOs BRING TO LIGHT THEIR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ENDEAVORS

Non-Governmental Organisations in The Gambia have been working tirelessly to contribute to national development, an effort which to a large extent has not been brought to light over the years. This culture has now been given a paradigm shift through the newly institutionalised NGO Week that showcases the work of NGOs in The Gambia. Osman Kargbo reports.

After so many years of active service in complementing the efforts of The Gambia government in its socio-economic development agenda, Non-Government Organisations in the country have decided to institutionalize a week of celebration called NGO Week to celebrate NGO and NSA contribution to The Gambia’s national development.
“TANGO, its members, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), and the Non State Actors Strengthening Programme (NSASP) would therefore like to celebrate their contributions to development in The Gambia with the First NGO Week 2012,” says The Association of Non-Government Organisations (TANGO).Funded by ACBF and the European Union, the NGO Week 2012, which commenced on Saturday 11 February, is observed to help raise awareness of NGO work; enhance partnership, cooperation and information-sharing; and promote best practice.

GOVI SCHOOL - THE ONLY SCHOOL FOR THE BLINDS - ALSO RECEIVES SUPPORTS FROM NGOs IN THE GAMBIA

This year’s event also reflects on the financial assistance provided for Non-State Organisations and Networks from 2010 to 2012 by the European Union through the NSASP.
“The aim is to showcase the role of NGOs and other NSAs in national development,” TANGO says, adding that the event is open to all Development Partners and The Gambian communities.

TANGO has served to enhance NGO contribution to national development since 1983, and its membership base now “sits at over 70 organisations”.
The weeklong activities commenced on Saturday with a parade from Westfield to TANGO office followed by an opening ceremony at TANGO with a launching of the exhibition and NGO stalls.

The week’s activities include thematic presentations and discussions on Human Rights and Governance; Agriculture and Environment; Gender Poverty; Policy Dialogue Session on ‘PRSP to PAGE’; Interactive NGO Consultative Forum; and other enlightening activities.