Pamela Camara, Focal Person for the HOPE Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has called on Gambians to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and unity as the nation works toward a peaceful and inclusive future. Speaking at a workshop organized by the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) under the CRS HOPE Project, Camara emphasised that peace is not inherited but nurtured daily through words, actions, and choices.
“Our nation has long been admired for its culture of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect. These values are the foundation of our social fabric,” she said. “Yet, peace is not something we inherit and keep forever. It is something we must nurture daily.”
The workshop brought together citizens from diverse political parties and communities, united by a common vision of a stronger democracy. Camara reminded participants that political differences are natural and healthy in a democracy, but must never be allowed to weaken the bonds of shared humanity.
“Peace is not built in moments of agreement, but in moments of difference,” she noted. “The true test of our democracy is not whether we all think alike, but whether we can respect one another when we do not.”
She urged Gambians to use their voices as instruments of peace, stressing that words can either heal wounds and build trust or create division and fear. The workshop, she explained, is a space to learn from one another, build relationships across divides, and reaffirm that diversity is a strength that enriches democracy.
Camara concluded with a call to action: “Let us show our communities that it is possible to disagree without hatred, compete without hostility, and participate without violence. If each of us leaves this workshop committed to speaking with respect, listening with empathy, and acting with tolerance, then we will have taken an important step toward building a Gambia where our diversity strengthens us, our differences do not divide us, and our shared future unites us.”
The CRS HOPE Project and NCCE continue to champion initiatives that promote civic education, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive participation in The Gambia’s democratic journey.
