The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has trained persons with disabilities, media, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders on lobbying and advocacy.
Held from 20th–21st August 2026 in Wassu, Central River Region North, the training was conducted under the theme “Empowering Voices: Strategic Advocacy for Local Impact.”
The training is apt, timely, and a step in the right direction, recognizing the central roles that the selected participants from diverse segments of society play in ensuring that the voices and concerns of communities are heard in decision-making processes.
Mr. Ansumana Ceesay, Program Manager at the NCCE, explained that the Capacity Building Training on Lobbying and Advocacy was organized in collaboration between the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) and The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO) under the EU/UNDP GREAT Project.
He noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between NCCE and TANGO, and the subsequent support provided for the implementation of this activity, demonstrates the importance of partnerships in promoting inclusive and meaningful participation in governance and development.
Mr. Ceesay reiterated that the training is both timely and important, adding that at the local level, communities often understand their challenges very well.
“They know the problems affecting their livelihoods, access to services, participation in decision-making, and development. However, identifying a problem is only the beginning. The real challenge is knowing how to communicate those concerns effectively, engage the right stakeholders, build alliances, and use evidence to influence decisions,” he said.
He added: “This is where lobbying and advocacy become particularly important. Effective advocacy is not simply about making demands or raising our voices. It is about understanding the issue, identifying the right decision-makers, developing clear messages, building strategic relationships, using credible evidence, and proposing practical solutions.”
He encouraged participants to view advocacy not only as a concept but as a practical tool for achieving positive change in their communities.
Mr. Ceesay emphasized that the training is expected to strengthen participants’ capacity to engage in strategic, impactful, and sustainable lobbying and advocacy.
“It will equip individuals and community-based organizations with practical tools, techniques, and knowledge to influence policy decisions, mobilize stakeholders, and effectively articulate community needs,” he told participants.
He particularly encouraged participants to actively share their experiences, noting that they come from different backgrounds and institutions, and “each of you brings valuable knowledge and perspectives.”
He urged: “Let us therefore use this training as an opportunity to learn from one another, challenge ideas constructively, and develop solutions that are relevant to our local realities.”
He stated that as community organizations, media practitioners, civil society actors, representatives of marginalized groups, and decentralization structures, “you have an important role to play in ensuring that the voices and concerns of communities are heard in decision-making processes.”
He challenged: “We must also remember that meaningful advocacy should put affected communities at the center. The people experiencing a problem should have an opportunity to participate in identifying solutions and shaping the decisions that affect their lives.”
Mr. Ceesay told participants that the success of the training should not be measured only by what they learned over the two days, but “more importantly, it should be measured by what we do with that knowledge when we return to our communities and institutions.”
He therefore encouraged each participant to leave the training with at least one practical advocacy issue, one clear advocacy objective, potential allies, credible evidence, and a realistic strategy for engaging the relevant decision-makers.
“Let us remember the simple message: Evidence gives advocacy credibility. Communication gives advocacy a voice. Alliances give advocacy strength, whilst strategic actions turn into change,” he told the convergence.
He expressed the NCCE’s appreciation to their partners, particularly TANGO and the EU/UNDP GREAT Project, for their continued collaboration and support towards strengthening civic participation and community engagement.
