Upper Mazaruni women, youths benefit from governance, leadership training
The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) in collaboration with the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), last week, hosted a three-day Women and Youth Capacity Building Workshop in Kako Village, aimed at increasing the knowledge and practice of good governance.
The training workshop, funded by Nia Tero, was held under the theme “Good Governance: Stronger Women, Stronger Youth, Stronger Communities.”
President of APA and Toshao of Kamarang, Lemmel Thomas addressing the gathering
Over 80 women and youth from the villages of Kako, Jawalla, Philippi, Kamarang, Waramadong and Paruima attended and participated in the workshop where they gained knowledge on and shared experiences of good governance practices.
The workshop was facilitated by APA’s Project Coordinator, Graham Atkinson; Policy and Administrative Officer, Don Stoll; Policy Officer, Faye Stewart; and Communications and Visibility Officer, Lakhram Bhagirat.
On day one, the participants explored governance and leadership through their shared and lived experiences in the Upper Mazaruni and identified what traditional and modern leadership entailed. The participants explained the various governance structures in the Upper Mazaruni and then presented their recommendations on how those structures can be improved.
They also assessed the selection of Upper Mazaruni leaders while identifying the qualities of a good leader.
Some of the young people at the workshop
The older participants collaborated with the youths to reflect on how the systems of governance and leadership have progressed in the district thus far.
Policy Officer Faye Stewart during one of her sessions
In addition to understanding the governance structures and leadership styles in the Upper Mazaruni, the participants also explored what Arecuna and Akawaio development would look like within the district. They were challenged to put their ideas of this development on paper using graphics, which saw varying interpretations of what development means for the Upper Mazaruni area.
In an effort to increase their public participation and encourage better representation of issues affecting them, the participants were exposed to one day of communication and public speaking training. During the sessions, they were taught the importance of effective communication as well as given practical exercises to boost their confidence in public speaking.
Debaters at the capacity-building workshop
As part of the communication and public speaking exercise, the participants were challenged to identify representatives to participate in two debating competitions as well as impromptu speech exercises.
At the end of the three-day capacity-building exercise, the participants documented recommendations for improvement in their district. Those recommendations will now be compiled and shared with the relevant stakeholders to be addressed.
