Representatives of various key bodies and groupings in the districts, as well as non-governmental organizations, met recently to evaluate their roles and functions in a bid to enhance community life development.

Meeting in a half-day workshop held at the St Louis Community Centre were members of the executive committees of the Senior Citizens Association, Neighbourhood Recreational Activities (NRA), Emergency Brigade, Disabled Council as well as district administrators.

While officially opening the workshop Mr Olsen Vidot, director general Community Development in the Local Government division of the Ministry of Local Government, Sports and Culture, said there was a need for all district administrators on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette to work together as a team through networking.

He also called on them to establish good working partnerships with all actors in the community.

"As district administrators, you should not only act as facilitators, but also encourage and give people in your community the opportunity to participate actively in the development of their districts," he said.

During the workshop, which had for theme "The power of local action for community development", the participants learned more about the roles of the Local Government division, the aims and objectives of the various programmes at district level such as Neighbourhood Recreational Activities (NRA), Senior Citizens, Emergency Brigade among others.

Another topic on the day's agenda was to find better means and ways of implementing the various  programmes.

The workshop also enlightened the participants on the calendar of activities for next year. The main activity will be a celebration in April to mark  the 10th anniversary of the Local Government division.

A host of activities, including conferences and sensitisation programmes, aimed at regrouping people from different communities are to be organised at community level to mark the occasion.

It was also revealed during the workshop that as from next year, district administrations are to work closer with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) namely Alliance Solidarity For the Family (ASFF), Association of Fathers Promoting Responsible Parenthood  (AFPRP) through the "Family Affairs" programme, expected to be set up in each district.

The programme is aimed at promoting good living values in Seychellois families as well as in the communities.

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