In recognition of the late Dr. Robert Cummings' contributions to ADA, the ADA Executive Committee in The Gambia honored him by creating a civic education program in his name, the "Robert Cummings Institute for Governance."
In collaboration with Actionaid International. the Robert Cummings Institute for Governance conducted a media program "Democracy and Good Governance in Africa" at Radio Gambia, which was broadcast every Thursday since 5th July, 2007 between 5:00PM and 6:00PM. The first phase of the program was completed on the 27th September 2007 and focused on the following topics:
- Democracy and Good Governance in Africa
- The Role of the Media in Promoting Good Governance
- The Rule of Law and Good Governance
- Decentralization and Good Governance
- Effective People Participation and Good Governance
- Gender and Good Governance
- Human Rights, Freedoms and Good Governance in Africa
The program was very interactive, as listeners in different parts of Gambia, including Demba Kunda in Upper River Region, Saruja in Central River Region, Farafenni in North Bank Region, etc. called in and made positive comments on the usefulness of the discussions. They had the opportunity to ask questions as well as make comments about the program. The listeners commented on how the discussions increased their knowledge and understanding of the issues highlighted. The Institute also received telephone calls from listeners in Thies in Senegal, and they shared the positive impact of the program. In fact, they requested that a similar program be conducted for them in Thies.
During the evaluation exercise, it was recpmmended by numerous listeners in different parst of Gambia and Thies in Senegal that the program should continue. The final phase of this media program will begin on Thursday 11th October,2007.
ADA Youth Leader Rehanna Jones-Boutaleb Conducts Arts and Crafts Workshop at Tallinding Nursery School
Miss Rehanna Jones-Boutaleb, ADA's youth leader and a student at the Washington International School, Washington DC, visited The Gambia from December 16-23, 2006 and conducted an arts and crafts workshop with the students of the Tallinding Nursery School, which is one of ADA’s early childhood development projects. Rehanna divided the students into groups according to age, and helped the four to six year olds to make decorative masks, and the three year olds to decorate hearts which they could pin to their uniforms or backpacks. The activity came just before the end of term for the students and was clearly a welcome break from their usual lessons. Rehanna was very impressed with the enthusiasm and appreciation with which she was received, as well as with the good behaviour of the young students.Special thanks go to Mr. Buba Camera for allowing her to work with the children, as well as to Dr. Madi Touray for facilitating the visit. Rehanna hopes to follow up on this activity through regular communications with the students and perhaps another visit at some future date.
