The Tourism Diversification and Resilience (TDR) Project took a significant step forward in promoting transparency and community engagement with its Grievance Mechanism (GM) Sensitization held on April 14-15, 2025, in the communities of Juffureh and Albreda. Over 100 community members, including local leaders, youth, and guides, came together to enhance their understanding of the GM and how it fosters conflict resolution and accountability within the project framework.

Day 1: Understanding the Grievance Mechanism
The first day focused on introducing the Grievance Mechanism to the participants. It highlighted the objectives and principles of GM, offering a detailed presentation on the grievance submission and resolution process. Facilitators clarified common misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of using the system proactively for effective conflict management. The session also included real-life case studies of previous grievances, which demonstrated how disputes were resolved and the valuable lessons learned from these processes.

Salimatou Taal, the Social Risk Management Specialist, and Rohey Samba-Jallow, the Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, guided the participants through role-playing exercises, which provided a practical understanding of how grievances are handled in real-world scenarios. The session encouraged an open dialogue among participants, ensuring that everyone felt heard and empowered to use the GM system confidently.

Day 2: Deepening Understanding and Strengthening Community Engagement
The second day of the training was dedicated to advanced sensitization and project updates. The session began with a recap of Day 1, followed by presentations on the ongoing progress of the TDR Project and how GM is integrated into its activities. Facilitators stressed the role of community members in strengthening the GM by being proactive participants and highlighted how transparency and communication are essential to the success of the grievance process.

Community leaders and stakeholders discussed various challenges they faced in utilizing the GM, offering valuable recommendations for improvement. One of the main takeaways was the need for more outreach and awareness activities to ensure that the GM remains accessible to all, especially marginalized groups. The session concluded with a call to action for the community to take ownership of the GM, ensuring that it is used as a tool for accountability and peaceful resolution.

The GM provides a structured and transparent process for addressing grievances, with clear timelines and feedback mechanisms.
Community members were encouraged to use the GM proactively and were shown how it can be an effective tool for resolving conflicts and promoting accountability.
The involvement of community leaders, youth, and local guides in the sensitization ensures that the GM is accessible, fair, and transparent for all members of the community.
Continuous updates and feedback loops are vital in maintaining the trust and effectiveness of the GM.

During the training, several questions were posed by community members, reflecting their deep concern for the integrity of the grievance process:
1. How are grievances addressed if the community member feels the solution is not satisfactory?
The grievance mechanism includes an appeals process for unresolved grievances.
2. How can we ensure timely resolution of grievances?
The GM has a timeline for resolution, and grievance focal persons track the process.
3. What measures are in place for marginalized groups?
Special provisions ensure that grievances from vulnerable groups are given priority and handled with care.

In conclusion, the Grievance Mechanism Sensitization was a valuable step towards building stronger, more resilient communities in Juffureh and Albreda. By empowering over 100 participants with knowledge of the GM, the TDR Project is ensuring that community members have the tools to resolve disputes effectively, fostering greater trust and transparency. The ongoing engagement of local leaders and stakeholders will continue to be crucial in strengthening the GM’s role within the project, making it a safe space for everyone involved.

We are grateful for the active participation and collaboration of all involved, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this training will have in creating a harmonious, accountable environment for all.
For more information about the Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project, visit www.tdrgp.gm or contact us at [email protected].