By Makutu Manneh
Gambia Participates has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop designed to enhance the skills of 15 emerging researchers drawn from diverse institutions across the country. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to produce high-quality research that meets international standards.
Speaking at the opening, Alasan Sowe, Program Officer at Gambia Participates, emphasized the crucial role of research in advancing national development and guiding evidence-based decision-making.
“In the Gambia we research and publish, but whether what we are doing is in accordance with international best standards. That is why we decided to catch the researchers young. In this two-day capacity training, I believe that most of them will have more interest in venturing into research,” Sowe said.
He further stressed the importance of safeguarding research integrity, warning against practices such as data falsification and the manipulation of findings. To address these concerns, Sowe highlighted the need for strong ethics training and adherence to established research guidelines.
Among the participants is Aji Fatou Samba, an accountancy student at the University of The Gambia, who expressed optimism about the opportunity to strengthen her skills in digital media and research methodologies.
“I am passionate about social media and content creation, and since the training is about digital media, I want to improve my knowledge in media authentication and data privacy,” Ms. Samba said.
Research activity in The Gambia continues to grow, with increasing initiatives across multiple sectors reflecting the country’s commitment to evidence-based policy and innovation.