Twenty five transport workers attended a training seminar in Togo between 26 and 28 August, focused on the theme of ‘Techniques for union organising and developing strategic campaigns’.
The seminar was part of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and the Federation of Transport Workers Union of Togo (FESYTRAT) project to build capacity in FESYTRAT unions.
The seminar had three key objectives – to assess FESYTRAT’s strengths and weaknesses, give its members the knowledge to recruit new members, and equip them with the skills to lead strategic campaigns.
Participants heard a number of presentations on different kinds of organising and campaigning skills, and had the opportunity to put their learning into practice after each session. Participants were also able to take part in developing FESYTRAT’s 2014-15 strategic action plan as part of the session.
ITF-Togo Women’s Network president, Djolade Gbadamassi, and FESYTRAT general secretary Emmanuel Agbenou both gave opening and closing speeches. Two course participants gave a closing speech, along with Bayla Sow, ITF representative for Francophone Africa and seminar facilitator.
Sow said “It was great to have so many activists together in one room, actively participating in the seminar and putting their learning into practice. Activists had the opportunity to learn the importance of strategic campaigns and how to apply this to their own situation. We were especially pleased to welcome women and young activists. We hope that activists from FESYTRAT unions will be able to build their membership and increase participation as a result of this experience”.
