From the 27th to 30th of September, Tostan implementation staff gathered in Thies for the Jokko Seminar. Over the course of the four days, the 70 participants from all over Senegal and Mauritania were introduced to the new module on the use of mobile phones for literacy and community development(see picture).During the training, participants became familiar with the Nokia 1202 phones to be distributed to facilitators and Community Empowerment Program (CEP) participants within the next month. They also brainstormed on potential uses for RapidSMS for social mobilization, health, the environment, local business, Tostan’s radio programme and Community Management Committees activities.
Demonstr
ating their commitment to the project and Tostan’s mission, the enthusiastic attendees listened to presentations on the project and contributed their suggestions and ideas for the development of the Initiative. At the end of each day, participants met in their assigned groups to plan for the following day’s activities, including each group’s presentation of one of the module sessions.
ating their commitment to the project and Tostan’s mission, the enthusiastic attendees listened to presentations on the project and contributed their suggestions and ideas for the development of the Initiative. At the end of each day, participants met in their assigned groups to plan for the following day’s activities, including each group’s presentation of one of the module sessions. The seminar proved to be a success, thanks to the dedication and cooperation of those who attended and organized it. Supervisors and national trainers packed their bags and headed to their next destination: the community trainers’ training, which began just days later.
