Today, March 18, in Zambezia, a training program promoted by the Schools for Democracy began, focusing on Public Policy Monitoring, Advocacy and the Exercise of Citizenship. Lasting two days, the initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens, equipping them with essential tools for monitoring governance and defending the rights of communities.
The training brings together 25 representatives of CSOs and social activists from the districts of Quelimane and Namacurra. The opening session included speeches by Osman Cossing, Coordinator of IMD's Pro-Civic and Human Rights Programme, and Estevão Neves, President of the Platform of Non-Governmental Organizations of Zambézia (FONGZA).
Osman Cossing highlighted the responsibility of CSOs and activists in defending the rights and interests of communities, stressing that strengthening civil society contributes to more transparent and inclusive governance.
For his part, Estevão Neves stressed that the training is taking place at an opportune moment, marked by the start of a new cycle of governance and the celebration of 50 years of independence. According to him, it is essential that civil society has a better understanding of decision-making processes and improves its capacity for active participation.
The training will culminate in an inclusive round table, bringing together CSOs, local governing bodies, political parties, academics and other actors to discuss the role of civil society in monitoring governance and promoting good practices.
This initiative is organized by IMD, in partnership with FONGZA, as part of the Pro-Civic and Human Rights Project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, through its Embassy in Mozambique.
