The training, which was held in Nyakoi Taibatou village in the URR, was attended by eight (8) young men drawn from across Wuli West District of the region.
The training forms part of the activities of its project dubbed – ‘Promoting Energy Efficient Cooking Stoves and Renewable Energy use in URR.’
Addressing participants at start of the training, Mr. Nfamara Jawneh, Executive Director of Beakanyang, reminded participants of the objectives of the training, which he said, is to build the capacities of local welders in improved cooking stoves making and to also inspire young metal workers to become local climate action champions.
“We are happy to bring together various local metal workers to form improved stoves production and marketing enterprise in the region. This initiative we believe will also help reduce deforestation and mitigate the effects of climate change.” he said.
Jawneh explained that the session will also help create employment opportunities for young people involve in the craft, pointing out that the improve cooking stoves have many benefits compared to the traditional stoves which cause lot of environmental and respiratory problems for women.
“With improved stoves women will realise the savings they acquired in the use of the stoves through less wood and charcoal used, cooking meals and therefore saving the household income.” he said.
Alkalo of Taibatou, Alhagie Bemba Jabby advised trainees to put their newly acquired skill into good use.
“Your continued commitment is critical to the long-term sustainability of this project. I therefore urge you to remain proactive and commit yourselves toward the common good of the group,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Muhammed Danjo, on behalf of the participants, thanked Beakanyang for providing them with a new skill. “We are happy to learn new skills to add it to our already acquired skills in welding and fabrication and I promise you that your investment in us will not go in vain,” he said.
He also applauded UNDP for its financial support in making the training possible while reaffirming their commitment in making improved stoves accessible and affordable in the region.
At the end of the three-days training, participants were each awarded a certificate of participation by the trainers and Beakanyang.
They pledged to continue producing the product even after the training and have all reaffirmed their commitment towards the success of the project.
