By: Nyima Sillah
A group of civil society has inaugurated a watchdog project dubbed strengthening transparency, accountability, and resilience in The Gambia (STAR) during a forum held in The Gambia.
The group included Future in Our Hands The Gambia (FIOHTG), TANGO – association of non-governmental organizations and Forum for Africa Women educationists, Gambia chapter (FAWEGAM).
The capacity-building project funded by the European Union (EU) is meant to enhance the involvement and participation of CSOs/private sector in the implementation of the NDP and its successor, with special attention to education in The Gambia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ndey Sireng Bakurin, executive director of TANGO said the project aimed to serve as a watchdog in complimenting the government’s efforts, while describing it as very important. Noting they will be having a research centre as part of the project.
Ousman Bah, Regional Director at Region1 of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, said the project would help to support the implementation of national development
“The project is pegged to use a collaborative approach to track the progress of the NDP in the next 3year. And the European Commission can rest assure that the value they intend for their funds will be delivered as expected,” Jainaba T. Sarr, Country Director of Future in Our Hands The Gambia said.
“This consortium is uniquely comprised of three women lead organizations and with the support of our civil society partners, the media, the grassroots communities, and the government ministries and agencies as the main duty bearers, we are well prepared to infuse our black girl magic into the project and make it a success and a catalyst in consolidating all efforts to improve on our education impact,” she added.