Ratanakiri, Cambodia – On June 26, 2024, a significant advancement was made to enhance local leadership and foster collaboration in Ratanakiri Province. Building Community Voices (BCV) and Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD) hosted a large-scale training workshop focused on Communication Skills as part of the CLESIDRA project.
The event gathered 120 participants, of whom 64 were women, showcasing a strong commitment to gender inclusion and community engagement. The attendees included a diverse array of stakeholders, such as youth leaders, village and district chiefs, representatives from private universities, local NGOs, and producers involved in the province’s four key value chains: rice, cashew nuts, cassava, and eco-tourism.
The training focused on enhancing essential communication skills among local leaders and entrepreneurs. It emphasized that effective dialogue is crucial for community development and economic success. Participants learned practical tools and techniques to improve their clarity in communication, collaboration, and advocacy for their communities in an increasingly complex development environment.
The workshop sessions were structured around several core themes that focused on enhancing communication skills. Participants learned the fundamental principles of effective messaging, active listening, and clear information exchange. Discussions emphasized the power of connectivity, highlighting the significance of strong communication in building organizational capacity, fostering trust, and promoting social cohesion. Additionally, attendees engaged in self-assessment exercises to identify communication gaps within their own organizations and developed practical strategies to address these issues.
The organizers, BCV and UPWD, expressed their appreciation for the active participation and enthusiasm shown throughout the workshop. The high level of engagement highlighted the growing interest among local stakeholders in enhancing their communication and leadership skills.
By providing participants with these essential skills, the initiative promotes more effective collaboration among communities, authorities, and development partners, ensuring that local voices are central to shaping Ratanakiri’s socio-economic future.
