To enhance effective coordination and administration of promotion of disability activities- The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) organized capacity building training on Governance, Leadership skills and financial management.
The event held from 10 and 11 January 2025, at the Fatou Mbye Memorial Hall at the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) in Kanifing, brought together GFD administrative staff, board members, and heads of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
The training was financed by Government the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NAC - PWDs) and featured two delegates from each of the 19 OPDs affiliated with GFD, drawn from various regions across The Gambia.
The workshop included sessions on governance, leadership skills, financial management, and the introduction of the GFD Work Plan 2025. OPDs were tasked with submitting their action plans to enable the GFD to advocate effectively on their behalf. Participants also made valuable recommendations for the way forward.
Mr. Sainey Camara, GFD’s Acting Executive Director, presented a session on governance, focusing on Conceptions of Governance, which include Public Administration, New Public Management (NPM), and the Broader Theoretical Framework.
He also noted that Principles of Good Governance includes Participation, Transparency, Accountability, Rule of Law, Responsiveness, and Equity.
He explained that governance aims to enhance administrative effectiveness, improve citizens' quality of life, and establish institutional legitimacy. He also highlighted various governance models, such as Market Government, Participative Government, Flexible Government, and Deregulated Government.
Mr. Camara emphasised the importance of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and diplomacy in advancing the interests of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He advised OPDs to avoid confrontations and adopt professionalism to achieve their objectives.
Leadership Skills
His Worship Muhammed Krubally, GFD Chairman and Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, led a session on leadership skills. He defined effective leadership as the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower teams to achieve collective goals.
He presented key topics on Leadership Qualities, such as adaptability, integrity, responsibility, and knowledge;
He also said Leadership Development involves critical thinking, enthusiasm, effective communication, and teamwork.
He also said that the Leadership Styles include Autocratic, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire.
Magistrate Krubally stressed the importance of conflict resolution, unity, and constructive criticism within organisations. He urged OPDs to familiarize themselves with their constitutions, develop SWOT analyses, and focus on governance improvement.
Financial Management
Mr. Ousman Bojang, GFD Treasurer, presented on financial management, highlighting the need for financial policy manuals to guide operations; Budget preparation and the importance of maintaining operational, activity, and fundraising budgets; Record-keeping, financial reporting and monitoring controls to ensure accountability and transparency. He finally advised OPDs to maintain bank accounts, avoid keeping cash in offices, and submit financial reports to donors to build trust and sustain partnerships.
GFD Work Plan 2025
Mr. Sainey Camara outlined upcoming GFD activities, including training for women through the RSOD project, which will provide funds for participants to implement activities. He also announced that GFD in partnership with CRS have succeeded for Lot 2 of the European Commission Advancing Inclusion: Call for Proposals to Enhance the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in The Gambia. This is an indicative allocation of funds by lot:
• Lot 1: Adults with Disabilities EUR 950,000
• Lot 2: Children with Disabilities (up to lower Secondary Education) EUR 950,000.)
Magistrate Krubally urged PWDs to approach the government with dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement.
Recommendations
Participants recommended that OPDs should inform GFD of their funding requests to avoid duplication and misunderstandings;
That GFD should assist in organizing a special training session on financial manuals for OPDs;
That OPDs must submit their activity report of 2024, with an updated membership list of their organizations latest 25th January, 2025;
That OPDs should develop annual and operational budgets on programmes and activities for 2025;
The training concluded with a commitment to collaboration and capacity development to strengthen the effectiveness of OPDs and the GFD.
The GFD is the national umbrella organisation for people with disabilities in The Gambia, formed in the early 1990s by various Organisations of Persons With Disabilities (OPDs) with the primary goal of advocating for the rights, protection, and empowerment of people with disabilities within the country. It acts as a unifying body to coordinate efforts and monitor activities related to disability issues across different stakeholders.
The formation of GFD has addressed misconceptions about disabilities in The Gambia
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