Bijilo, The Gambia – October 4, 2024 – The Global Youth Innovation Network (GYIN) Gambia Chapter conducted a comprehensive board training session led by esteemed human rights lawyer and governance expert Madi Jobarteh. This intensive one-day training was part of the United States Agency of International Development (USAID)-funded “Promoting Rights and Justice in the Gambia Project: Empowering Civil Society and the Media,” implemented by Freedom House.
Mamadou Edrisa Nije, Executive Director of GYIN Gambia, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Thanks to Freedom House’s support, we have significantly improved our organizational structure, particularly our board. We are grateful for their assistance in helping us move forward. This training is a crucial step towards ensuring we have an effective board to guide our mission.”
The training curriculum encompassed key aspects of board governance, including:
- Board orientation processes, principles, and practices
- Strategies for effective board member recruitment and retention
- Techniques for conducting productive board meetings
- Development of comprehensive board policies and job descriptions
Madi Jobarteh, renowned for his contributions to civil society, shared his perspective on the training: “We need a better understanding of the role and importance of boards. Boards are not only a legal necessity but also essential for seizing opportunities for the organization.” He added, “As a civil society organization, we are accountable to the people first and foremost. GYIN must demonstrate transparency and accountability in all its operations.”
Ibrahim Bahizi Drammeh, Program Associate at Freedom House, has been assisting with organizational management and training for board members, supporting GYIN Gambia’s commitment to enhancing its governance structure.
This training underscores GYIN Gambia’s dedication to youth empowerment and sustainable socio-economic development in The Gambia. By strengthening our board’s capabilities, we aim to enhance our organization’s transparency, accountability, and overall impact. Ultimately, this will enable GYIN Gambia to contribute more effectively to national development initiatives.