The Wum Council has initiated a capacity-building workshop to empower coordinators of village/neighborhood committees within the Wum municipality. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement in identifying infrastructure projects to be financed under Local Governance And Resilient Communities Project known by its french acronyme PROLOG.
The workshop was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Wum Council, Dighambong Anthony Mvo, who outlined the primary objectives of the capacity-building exercise. According to Mayor Mvo, the workshop is designed to improve the multi-level governance framework and empower decentralized entities to more effectively deliver essential services. The workshop also seeks to bolster local capacity, ensuring sustainable service delivery across the municipality.
The Lord Mayor of Wum Council, Dighambong Anthony Mvo, has called on all participants to take the workshop seriously and to apply the knowledge and skills they will gain to their work in their respective communities.
Over forty participants, representing the nineteen villages that constitute the Wum municipality, have converged for this intensive workshop. For two days, these participants are expected to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development initiatives within their respective communities.
The PROLOG program, under which these infrastructure projects are being financed, is a significant undertaking aimed at fostering local development through enhanced governance and community participation. By equipping local leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Wum council aims to ensure that development projects are aligned with the actual needs and priorities of the communities they serve.
The capacity-building workshop includes several modules designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the PROLOG program, community engagement strategies, project identification, and monitoring and evaluation techniques. Seasoned facilitators from Wum Council who attended a training session in Bafoussam, Ekom Ivorsmith Akwo, Eboa Akelendi Ku-Isoh and Donatus Fung Mua, are leading the sessions.
One of the key components of the workshop is the emphasis on participatory approaches to development. Participants are learning how to conduct needs assessments, facilitate community meetings, and ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. This approach is critical for ensuring that development projects are both relevant and sustainable.
The workshop also focuses on building the leadership and communication skills of the participants. Effective leadership and communication are essential for mobilizing communities and building consensus around development priorities. Through interactive sessions, participants are honing their abilities to lead, inspire, and communicate effectively with their constituents.
The Wum council has expressed optimism that this capacity-building workshop will yield significant results in the coming months and years. By empowering local leaders and fostering greater community participation, the council aims to accelerate the pace of development and improve the quality of life for all residents of the Wum municipality.
The workshop is not just a one-off event but rather, the beginning of an ongoing process of capacity building and community engagement. The Wum council plans to continue providing support and training to local leaders, ensuring that they have the resources they need to drive sustainable development in their communities.
