The Management Development Institute (MDI) recently  conducted its oriention program for over twenty-five new students. The students form the core of the latest batch of the gender and development department at certificate level, at the institute.  The students, drawn from community based organisations, NGO's, as well as, youth organisations, will recieve lectures for a period of three months on gender and development.

Deputising for the acting director general of MDI, Mr Yusupha Dibba, the head of ICT, Mr Alikali Sisay, thanked the participants and welcome them to the MDI family.  Mr Sisay urged the new in-takes to take their course seriously, assuring them that his management will never relent in their efforts to produce "agents of change."

The course coordinator, Mr Sheikh Omar Faye, head of gender and development department, gave an insight as to the rational behind bringing up gender and development at certificate level. Mr Faye noted that the institute used to produce and train people at diploma level.

He further noted that the in-take was the first ever in the history of the Gambia for gender and development to be conducted at foundation.  The course boss told the participants to live up to expectation as they were being tested as a pilot study towards the success of the course.  He assured the trainees that the department would do everything at their disposal to make them emerge victorious.

The orientation was moderated by Mr Lamin Fatty, the deputy course coordinator.  And the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs Fatou Sanyang, a representative of the new students. And  present at the ocassion were MDI management staff.