A two-day workshop on training and launching was recently held at the Girl Guides institute in Kanifing. Over thirty participants attended the session, which was addressed by a number of speakers.

In her welcoming remarks, the Programme Officer of Culture and Communications, on behalf of the Secretary General of the National Commission for ISESCO (Islamic Societies Engaged on Societies for Cultural Organisation), Ms Mamuna Sibideh addressed the aims and objectives of the workshop. Among these she named sharing and learning from each other on the mandate and concept of ISESCO.

She emphasised the aim of linking religious leaders, civil society and youth organizations in The Gambia in order to acquire perspectives on ISESCO.

The Programme Officer stressed the significance of the workshop in highlighting the work of ISESCO and also raises public awareness of that work. According to Ms Sibideh, the National commission serves as a platform for articulating the needs through consultations for the design and implementation of activities, coordination and implementation of ISESCO’s programmes and activities, the facilitation of fund-raising and networking to ensure visibility and impact of programme activities.

She further revealed that ISESCO’s activities and programmes are responding to the needs expressed by member states. She added that needs have been identified through consultations on the ground in member states.

She went on to say that the clubs are particularly encouraged to take responsibility for gaining knowledge about ISESCO’s mission, functions and strategic areas as well as the house the organisation operates. They serve as branches to reach the unreachable and assist in implementing our programmes and projects, she said.

For his part, Imam Baba Leigh of Kanifing Estate said that ISESCO provided scholarships for many Gambians and has links with many international organisations. Imam Baba Leigh added that it is important to recognise all cultures. According to him, we have different cultures but that a moral culture is best.