By Mama A. Touray
The National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the University of the Gambia Debate Association has over the week trained secondary and tertiary students on public speaking, concept and proposal writing debates amongst other important areas.
The weeklong training was organised to enhance the capacity of various aspects of society, and it started with vendor training for the welfare ministers within the University of the Gambia and also trained UTG secretaries and IPROs on Concept and proposal writing.
Giving his opening statement at the event Alieu Saho, Vice President of the University of The Gambia Debate Association said UTGDA had its mandate to train organisations on debate, public speaking, and also some important areas.
VP Saho added that the capacity building week is to make sure that they train as many people as possible in the areas of debate and public speaking, noting that the weeklong event won’t have been possible without the support of the National Human Rights Commission.
Aminata LB Ceesay, Investigative Officer and Focal Person for Children issues at the National Human Rights Commission said the importance of capacity building cannot be overemphasized, and that the human rights commission being an independent organisation responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in The Gambia is happy to have partnered with UTGDA.
She added that it is important that they partner with organisations like UTGDA to ensure that they continue to advocate human rights issues and also to help build the capacity of young people.
Meanwhile, Amie Sohna, President of UTG Debate Association said “As an organisation, they believe it’s one of their mandates to embark on advocacy.
“So we look at very important areas and when you look at human rights it’s very important as a lot of people think they know their rights while they don’t, so we must advocate in such areas to enlighten young people so that when their rights are violated they will know who to consult.”