The event began with a march past from the Tanji Jah Oil to the beach side, followed by a cleaning exercise escorted by the Bakoteh Kids Scout Band and environmental club.
This year’s event was held under the theme ‘empowering Youth for sustainable development’.
In his welcome address, Alieu Mendy, Federation Manager from the Ding-ding Yirewa underscored the importance of youth and their contribution to nation building, before assuming their role as future leaders.
“We should reflect our minds to who is a youth? Why do we emphasize on the issue of youth? Youth are the president, ministers and permanent secretaries in the future.” he said.
Mr. Mendy urged the youth to take up responsibilities in order to be environmentally sensitive, adding the agreement to choose the theme was a result of long lasting discussions and solutions related to youth needs and aspirations.
He referenced that the beach cleaning conducted at Tanji Village is a direct message and a call to the people of Tanji and its surroundings, adding that there should not be any discrimination as far as youth are concerned.
He cited that youth account for a significant percentage in the country’s total population as clearly seen in 2024 Housing and Population Census.
“From this report, one could say the youthful population of The Gambia is significant which raised an alarm that the percentage needs to be well taken with caution.”
According to him, in most developed countries, people do away with littering especially on the streets, stating that youth should take necessary actions to promote sustainable development.
Kalo Demba Bah, ChildFund The Gambia representative on behalf of the Country rep, said the initiative is a true reflection of what ChildFund has been doing with its partners.
“Today’s engagement simply demonstrates their commitment to youth led- initiatives as enshrined in their key documents such as Country’s Strategy Plans.”
He highlighted that the Country’s Strategy Plan (CSP) enabled them to render their continuous support to youth empowerment and the effects of climate change.
“When we talk of child development and protection obviously we all know our environment is key to child development, and our environment is key to child protection. If your environment is very harsh, the children are exposed to hazardous environment and is not a healthy life.”
He lamented that hazardous environment is affecting children and youth, saying that Child Fund remains committed to initiating more projects to make sure environmental sustainability is a reality.
“My tree my sponsor is not to only ensure the retention of sponsors, but another way of contributing to the effects of climate change, and eradication of hunger.”
The implementation of these ambitious programs, he added, cannot be done successfully in isolation and thus urged partners to ensure there’s a sustainable development.
“Child Fund will continue to explore the opportunity with any potential partners that will help to realize the goals of the organization.”
Mr Bah, however, expressed optimism that Gambians will one day take the bold leadership and to work towards environmental sustainability.
He equally tasked youth to tackle the challenges, bearing in mind that the country belongs to every individual irrespective of age, gender.
