By: Sering Mass Jallow
The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA), Monday handed over assorted cleansing materials to National Environment Agency (NEA) for the schools’ environmental outreach program.
WACA, with financial support from the World Bank made the donation through NEA’s Environmental Education and Communication (EE&C) Unit for onward delivery to the schools.
The donation supports NEA’s Environmental Education, sensitization, and awareness creation initiatives, implemented in collaboration with WACA within the Kotu stream intervention area. Beneficiary communities include Kotu, Manjai, Latrikunda Yiriganya, Latrikunda Eringyang, Dippa Kunda, London Corner, Bundung Borehole, Bakoteh, Latrikunda Sabiji, Sukuta, and Nema Kunku.
The event, held at NEA’s office in Kanifing Estate, saw the handing over of 120 wheelbarrows, 120 waste bins (240 liters each), and 120 rakes.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Bintou Gassama, highlighted the importance of involving children in waste management. “If you catch them young, they become yours forever,” she said. “Children contribute significantly to waste generation. Engaging them instils responsibility and helps protect our environment.”
Dr. Muhammed Sanyang, an executive from WACA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the link between cleanliness and societal development. “A clean environment reflects development and advancement,” he stated. “A healthy environment translates to a healthy population. We aim to join efforts with the EE&C unit to equip children and change their mindset towards proper waste disposal and management.”
NEA Executive Director Dawda Badjie expressed gratitude to WACA for the timely support, while stressing the importance of responsible use and care of the donated materials. “People must take proper care of these items,” he said. “We have to treat them as our own. If such materials are not preserved responsibly, it may discourage donors from supporting future initiatives.”
The donation underscores WACA’s commitment to environmental resilience and the cultivation of sustainable waste management practices among school children in the Greater Banjul Area.