By Akitania Nzally
The Students of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) of the University of The Gambia (UTG), on Sunday, 11th September 2022 embarked on a nationwide tour.
This organised tour is part of their efforts in combating climate change and illicit substance abuse, students in the School of Arts and Sciences, under the able leadership of Fatima Zahara Jarju, Chairperson of SAS presently in Farafenni where they had their first community engagement with women vendors, youths, businessmen and security officers on the impacts of climate change, mitigation strategies, the economic cost, health implications and legal consequences that await victims of an illicit substance.
The Nationwide tour is organised every year to engage Gambians especially those in the Rural areas on certain pressing issues that need to be addressed. Interestingly, the Tour was not only characterized by community engagements and tree planting exercises but also marked by enticing sporting activities, cultural performances, display of olden dress codes some of which are pre-colonial, and many more colourful events to facilitate socialization and create lasting memories.
Speaking to this medium, Ousman AM Touray the president of the SAS explained the importance of the tour, pointing out that it creates a platform wherein the University students will teach and sentitize people as well as connect with them.
According to him, Students of The UTG have over the years been embarking on such activities which are very important and contribute to national development. The more people know about things like climate change, and the impacts and ways in which they can be mitigated, the more they are motivated to join the rest of the world in combating it.
Musa Sabally, the head of logistics, expressed satisfaction with this year’s tour. “We are Cognizant of the fact that there are institutions whose primary mandate is climate change mitigation through eco-friendly means and fighting against all forms of illicit substances. However, by way of complementing their efforts, “we deemed it necessary to join the crusade in climate change mitigation and combating illicit substances, especially among the youthful population. That way, the earth will be a safe place for all to live” he said.
According to Mr. Sabally, the tour was a great success and everything went on as planned, the students and community members were all involved in the activities as expected.
He thanked the UTG management for approving and facilitating this important adventure, the students for being cooperative, patient, understanding, and above all exercising maturity throughout the tour, the leadership and Organizing Committee for staging a successful tour, and all those who supported this course in one way or the other.
