Clean Earth Gambia engages children, youth on climate advocacy 

The event was held at National Nutrition Agency (NANA) Conference Hall in Bakau.

At the ceremony, Abdoulie Singhateh, executive coordinator, Clean Earth Gambia, explained that the training is part of a six-month project designed to empower children and young people on sound methods to save and protect the environment.

He reminded that participants will benefit immensely from the practical activities, thus broadening their understanding and knowledge, as well as ensure an interactive and engaging learning experience.

“The impact of this advocacy training will play a crucial role in UNICEF Gambia's climate advocacy program. Participants will work with UNICEF and other partners on various climate engagements, including sensitisation campaigns on the impacts of climate change and advocacy for the adoption and implementation of child-sensitive and youth sensitive climate policies and 31st January 2024.”

Christian Mugangu, Operations Manager and UNICEF Country Rep, revealed that The Gambia is ranked 37 in the UNICEF’s global Children Climate Risk Index (CCRI). 

“This underscores the significant risk of deepening child deprivations as a result of the impact of climate change and calls for urgent action to tackle the climate crisis.”

“The Gambia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite being a low emitter of greenhouse gases and has been experiencing these impacts with key climate hazards including torrential rainfall and flooding, drought, heat waves, high sea-level rise, and unseasonal rains.” he stated.

He maintained that the Clean Earth Gambia and UNICEF partnership will focus on advocacy and on building the capacity of youth groups and children through community engagement, campaigns, and advocacy for the adoption and implementation of child-sensitive, and youth-sensitive climate policies and programmes. 

Babucarr Jallow, Deputy PS at the Ministry of Environment, said it is significant to build the capacity of young people and encouraged to take part in climate change activities which will increase the number of solution providers to help in the fight.