Paper Recycling Skills Project (PRSP), a charitable organization, over the weekend launched a biomass recycling research and training centre at Fajikunda–Abuko.
The PRSP was founded in 2001 by May Rooney, who was with others in The Gambia for a holiday.
The purpose of the centre was to support the local community in building their capacity in the protection and preservation of the country’s forest cover.
Speaking at the forum, the Alkali of Abuko, Boto Tamba, expressed appreciation on behalf of the community for such a wonderful project that came to fight against deforestation.
“This is a very good initiative that needs the support of every body for it to be sustainable for the benefit of all Gambians,” he said.
The Alkali went further to call on the NGOs and the Government to give support to the project, which is geared towards safe guarding the forest cover.
Also speaking at the forum, Ndapa Mendy, also a member, said the organization began by creating books out of recycle materials and other things.
He added that the project has produced beautiful handcraft notebook and album made entirely from fire wood and fuel efficient stoves.
Mr Mendy asserted that the objective is to establish a craft-learning centre to help preserve the cultural heritage of The Gambia for future generation by holding workshop for local students and communities.
He also told the gathering that the establishment of the biomass centre was geared towards supporting and developing the local community by providing employment opportunities, assisting local infrastructure and using the centre as a focal point for building local capacity.
For his part, the General Manager of the PRSP, George Riegg, said the main objective of the establishing the shills centre was to train the needy people and also create job opportunity for the youths and people who really need services.
He said the importance attach to this centre cannot be overemphasised in the sense that “this skills centre will be used to train and expose the youths in many activities that are very productive as well as to educate them to be able to sustain development for people to make a bright future for themselves.
He also advice all Gambian to engage in this project which is here to support the local community in particular and the youths. He said the sustainability of this project based on our collective responsibility.
He also thanked the community of Faji-kunda –Abuko for their support and encouragement.
For her part, Isatou Ceesay, director of Njau Recycling, expressed “total satisfaction” with the turnout at the Faji-kunda- Abuko to this very important occasion.
This shows that they have great concern for this centre, she said, adding that “it is important to preserve and protect our forest”.
He also said: “This project is not only focusing on protecting our environment but also on creating of other products which are very viable in the market industry.”
She then called on the government and the private sector to support the project as “they are very young and need support”.
She also called on the Gambian women to participate fully in the activities, which will yield dividend on them.
She asserted that Paper Recycling Skills Project is a community based not-for profit recycling organization established in 2001.
