The theme for the event was “Environmental conservation is everybody’s business. Let’s Act.” It was centered on agricultural development, education and entrepreneurship.
The sensitisation forum is an annual give back initiative aimed atimproving the understanding of residents on the above-mentioned thematic areas to enhance development in the rural settlement.
This year’s event attracted members of the organisation, partners, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, academics, residents of Sare Gubu Basirou and satellite communities.
Mamadou Bah, in his remarks on behalf the village head described the event as significant in improving awareness of people on various key issues. He also thanked participants for their attendance. He also thanked SGSA members for organising the event.
Muhammed S. Bah, President of SGSA said the association was formed to promote education in the community, adding that the association also aims to support the community and satellite villages on various socialissues to improve lives and livelihoods of residents.
He recalled that the association in partnership with Sare Gubu Diaspora and Sare Gubu Youth Development Association (SAGYDA) have been supporting the village’s youth in education as well as provided medical services to residents and their neighbours.
He commended residents of Sare Gubu Basiru for supporting the association in the implementation of its projects.
“We cannot do it alone; therefore, getting support from you is essential in helping us in the implementation of our projects,” he said.
Penda Mballow, women representative hailed youth of the village for organising such an important event.
In his presentation, Basiru L. Bah, a legal personnel sensitised participants on the Forestry Act. He said section 220 of the 1997 Constitution states that every person should protect his or her environment, adding that section 115 of the Forest Act states that anyone who is found wanting of deforestation or bush fires is liable to a fine of D6000 or 6 months imprisonment, or both.
He added that anyone who helps a person or persons to involve in bush fires or deforestation would be liable to the same punishment.
He advised all to collectively protect the forest cover from bush fires or deforestation. This, he said would help preserve resources found in the forest which are essential for humanity.
Professor Sidat Yaffa, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of The Gambia (UTG)labeled the annual sensitisation as significant, saying there is a need for people to be trained on environmental hygiene in order to minimise environment effects on the populace.
Dr Yaffa noted that the ongoing depletion of the forest had caused severe soil erosion, pollution and other environmental degradation that could cause severe health effects on people.
Therefore, he called on all and sundry to collectively enforce environmental and forest protection laws as well as initiate mechanisms to preserve the forest.
In his presentation, Musa Baldeh, an educationist said the School Management Committee (SMC), Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Mothers’ Clubs are instrumental in ensuring children are enrolledinto school and retained.
However, he called on parents to work with these schools’ structures to make sure their children go to school regularly; adding that parents should frequently engage the SMC and class teachers to know their children’s performance.
Hon. Seedy S. K. Njie, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly commended Sare Gubu Basirou youth for their give back initiative.
Hon. Njie called on Sare Gubu Basirou youth to support their parents, maintain discipline and be peaceful at all times. These, he said would help them to attain the sustainable development goals they are yearning for.
