Who We Are
The Center for Research and Policy Development (CRPD) is an independent, non- profit, and non-partisan social research, advocacy, learning and capacity building organization committed to promoting inclusive democratic governance in The Gambia.
CRPD is committed to work with grassroots, national and international actors to address the Gambia’s development challenges by generating and communicating research-based knowledge to help inform policies and interventions.
The Center also aims to trigger local dialogues to contextualize universally relevant ideals of inclusive democratic governance, promote efficiency, transparency and accountability for a secure and an economically prosperous Gambia.
We are open to collaborate with partners interested in addressing policy issues that borders on the development challenges confronting The Gambia. So, let us know how we can help you and be of help to your organization.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support the transformation of The Gambia into a democratically governed and economically prosperous community
Our Mission
To maintain a one stop center for data on legislative processes, citizen voices and policy development
Values
- Independence
- Partnership
- Integrity
- Tolerance
- Dialogue
- Excellence
A message from our Executive Director
Sait Matty Jaw
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Since our founding in 2018, CRPD has made a name for itself through its research and outreach programmes. Respected for our strength in carrying out innovative programming, we engage the public and mobilize them towards advancing the democratic transitional agenda as means to complement government efforts. We have on two occasions defended public interest through litigation and continue to organize educative radio programmes that are largely contributing to increasing civic awareness and engagement among Gambians. We are a proactive member of the civil society community here in the Gambia and part of various networks within and across the sub-region. Our interest is simple, protect the public space. We have built solid partnership with the media as means to increase our outreach and help the Gambians to understand and comprehend contemporary issues affecting the country. Our approach has been and will continue to be the transfer of un-politicized civic education and partnership building as means to mobilize the citizens towards national development and nation building.Thanks to the combined efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers and partners, we have built a reputation that honours the legacy of the founding fathers and mothers of our republic by promoting democracy as a tool for social cohesion and well-being. Their commitment to the ideals of a republic has had considerable impact on our country, albeit there are also challenges. These legacies and the time honoured memory of the great men and women of the Gambia will continue to be our light
April 24th 2022 marks four years of our establishment. This day is significant for us because it is also “Republican Day” in The Gambia. As we progress on this achievement, I want to share our thoughts on the direction that CRPD will be towing moving forward. We are in the process of completing a new strategy document that outlines our priority for the next five years. Our goal over the next five years is to Build a Stronger Democracy for a Prosperous Gambia by promoting inclusive governance, protect the public space and increase citizens socio-economic well-being through relevant research and advocacy. Our strategy focuses on five key areas. These are to:
- Put Gambians at the center of development and strengthen their agency to demand for accountable governance,
- Promote the advancement of rule of law, human rights and good governance,
- Promote human security, social well-being and inclusion,
- Promote equality and access to justice and fair treatment under the law, and
- Promote knowledge transfer and learning.
Over the next five years, we will work towards building stronger partnership with other stakeholders within the development landscape in the Gambia and beyond. In particular, we will work to build strong relationship with policy makers, the legislature, national institutions and international development partners in advancing development priorities. Taking an intentional approach to programme design, learning and sharing we hope to strengthen opportunities for dialogue and promote social cohesion. Our research and outreach partnerships will also be strengthening to ensure that we deliver responsive and relevant data to stakeholders including government, civil society, local authorities, development partners, academics, and students within and outside the Gambia.
In the coming months, and years, we will improve on our communication, build staff capacity, strengthen our internship and voluntary programmes and ensure that CRPD provides the right work environment for all its employees. We are excited about CRPD’s future and welcome you to walk with us.