UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has urged newly recruited community facilitators under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project to use their new positions to promote inclusive development and strengthen community ownership of government interventions
The Minister made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, at a three-day training programme for newly recruited SOCO community facilitators in the Upper East Region
The training, which is taking place from October 5 to 7 in Bolgatanga, is aimed at equipping the facilitators with the knowledge and skills required to effectively mobilise communities and support the implementation of SOCO projects
Mr. Akamugri said the facilitators would serve as an important link between communities, traditional authorities, local government structures and the SOCO Project
He tasked them to engage women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, ensuring that their concerns are heard and reflected in community development priorities
According to the Minister, the SOCO Project adopts a community-driven development approach, allowing communities to participate in identifying their needs, setting priorities and monitoring development interventions
He stressed that when community members are properly informed and involved, they are more likely to take ownership of projects and protect them for the benefit of future generations
SOCO recruitment creates jobs
The Regional Minister also highlighted the employment opportunities created through the recruitment of the community facilitators
He said the engagement provides beneficiaries with an opportunity to earn an income while contributing directly to the development of their communities
Beyond the immediate financial benefit, he noted that the facilitators would gain practical experience in community engagement, local development, communication and the use of digital tools
He encouraged them to use their earnings wisely by saving, investing in productive ventures and developing additional skills that could improve their livelihoods
“We want the benefit of this opportunity to be felt not only in the work you do for the project, but also in your own lives and households,” the Minister said
‘Listen before you speak’
The Minister further charged the facilitators to approach their work with patience, respect and commitment
He urged them to listen carefully to community members, communicate information accurately and seek clarification from project or assembly officials whenever they were uncertain about an issue
He said their ability to gain the confidence of community members would be critical to the success and sustainability of SOCO interventions
The Minister noted that government, together with the World Bank, was investing significant resources in infrastructure, livelihoods and other interventions across beneficiary communities
He therefore urged the facilitators to ensure that these investments translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives
Mr. Akamugri encouraged the newly recruited facilitators to take the opportunity seriously and give their best in supporting the development of their respective communities
Source – gbcuraonline.com
