By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) with Kairaba Centre for Professional Training Saturday graduated 100 soldiers on the impact of social media on civil military relations.
The month’s long programme was aimed at enhancing participants’ insight on the impact of social media on civil military relations and also enlightened the participants on issues such as the menace of Gender Based Violence amongst other modules.
In his opening remarks Director General of Kairaba Centre of Professional Training, Mr. Muhammad Lamin Fatajoh said his centre teaches students to be creative, imaginative, to think originally and unconventionally and not to be afraid to push the boundaries.
“To accept the different and embrace the unknown, education is about growth, not just about grades. You have adapted and grown in this difficult time, which has undoubtedly enriched you and added to your academic success,” he said.
He thanked the management of Gambia Armed Forces for their commitment and support critical in sponsoring 100 security personnel to undergo the important capacity building training as part of the ongoing security reform.
Fatajoh ugred the graduates to reflect and ruminate on the fact that they are among the lucky ones that come with certain responsibilities.
“The responsibility to care about the life of ordinary people under the impact of globalization; the responsibility to put efforts into changing the current social-economic structure, so that more people can benefit from it. These are the responsibilities of global citizens,” he said.
Major Lamin Manneh representative of the Gambia Armed Forces recognised the efforts and support of Kairaba Centre in strengthening their fraternal relationship for their peaceful coexistence as people of the same destiny (The Gambia).
“I would like to re-iterate our most sincere appreciation to the administration of Kairaba Training Centre for creating the enabling environment for such training to occur. Our gathering here is clear evidence of the CDS’s dedication and collective commitment to achieve a shared goal to serve the interest of our great nation,” he said.
Major Manneh added that with the experiences the participants gained during their short term training would help The Gambia Armed Forces through its transformational process in achieving a highly professional and competent elite force.
Ousman Bah, on behalf of participants said they have come to the end of their course that has opened new doors for advanced courses for their careers.
“One month has been a rigorous and vigorous one, quite challenging- physically and mentally, but it took determination to achieve this milestone,” he said.