By Alieu Ceesay
As The Gambia prepares for the crucial December 2026 presidential elections, a new wave of young activists is stepping forward to strengthen civic awareness and promote peaceful democratic participation nationwide.
In a proactive move to build an informed electorate, Activista The Gambia, in partnership with Global Platforms Gambia and the Safe Home for Migrants Association, successfully organized the Civic Education Camp 2.0. The three-day intensive programme took place in the Upper River Region (URR) and Lower River Region (LRR), turning local venues into vibrant “living classrooms of democracy.”
The initiative forms part of the Youth Promotion Initiative led by ActionAid International, The Gambia, and is funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. Organizers say the camp aims to nurture a generation of engaged citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape the nation’s democratic future actively.
Participants, primarily young Gambians, immersed themselves in interactive sessions covering core themes of citizenship, rights and responsibilities, youth participation in elections, peacebuilding, migrant rights, women’s political involvement, and ethical leadership. Facilitators stressed that true citizenship extends far beyond legal status. It involves a deep sense of identity, belonging, and inclusion, as well as a shared responsibility to contribute to national progress. Sessions highlighted the delicate balance between individual freedoms and civic obligations, urging participants to actively protect and exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
A major emphasis was placed on the pivotal role of young people in upcoming elections. Rather than remaining passive observers, youth were encouraged to become guardians of electoral integrity, promoters of accountability, and drivers of positive change in leadership selection.
Participants were trained to serve as community ambassadors for tolerance and non-violence, ensuring that political competition does not descend into conflict. The camp also addressed the reintegration and protection of migrants’ rights, while pushing for greater political participation by women and marginalized groups.
Ansumana Camara, Country Coordinator for Activista The Gambia, underscored the organization’s commitment to converting dialogue into concrete action.
“Our Civic Education Camps are designed to give young people the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully in elections, promote peaceful conduct, and hold leaders accountable,” Camara said.
He explained that by training participants as community ambassadors, the impact extends far beyond the camp itself. “The lessons ripple outward, creating real, measurable change in villages, towns, and entire regions,” he added.
Camara revealed that the initiative is being integrated into longer-term strategies with support from ActionAid International, The Gambia, and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. These include establishing regional youth networks, embedding civic education into community structures, and creating sustained platforms for inclusive governance that reach women, migrants, and other often-excluded voices.
A standout feature of the camp was the active inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Camara described their participation as both symbolic and transformative.
“It challenges years of neglect and affirms that PWDs have a rightful place in our democracy,” he stated. “By amplifying their voices, we are changing societal attitudes, promoting accessibility in governance, and building a more inclusive nation where no citizen is left behind. This is not just good practice — it is justice.”
