By Modou Touray
Since his childhood, Mr Dembo Keita has been captivated by the allure of planting and nurturing trees, an affection deeply rooted in his family’s legacy of environmental stewardship. Inspired by his father’s tradition of fostering trees in our compound, rewarding the most thriving ones, and guided by the mother’s green thumb, he embarked on a lifelong journey of fostering greenery and community well-being.
Dembo Keita said that, from 2010 to 2014, he served as the leader and environmental educator at Tabajang Lower Basic School. These spearheading initiatives saw the growth of over 300 fruit and agroforestry trees. He added these efforts not only provided sustenance and essential nutrients to schoolchildren but also instilled in them a sense of environmental responsibility, as evidenced by their active involvement in nurturing seedlings in their homes.
The young man’s commitment to greening educational spaces continued as he transitioned to Dingiri Lower Basic School, where he facilitated the cultivation of 40 trees within the premises, alleviating the harsh conditions and fostering year-round productivity. Subsequently, at Gambisara Lower Basic School, situated on rocky terrain, his persistence led to the transformation of barren land into a flourishing garden, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and nutritional offerings of the school environment.
’’ In October 2021, the culmination of my passion materialized in establishing S&D Farm, a beacon of sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation. Where I employ climate-smart techniques to produce chemical-free fruits and vegetables, while also spearheading initiatives such as tree propagation in recycled plastic containers and composting of organic waste, culminating in a holistic approach to ecological balance”
Beyond formal institutions, he said his dedication extends to grassroots community engagement, exemplified by his longstanding involvement with the Sutukonding Village Youth Development Association. “In times of adversity, such as the 2023 flood crisis, “assumed the mantle of leadership, orchestrating a tree planting campaign that not only replenished lost greenery but also provided employment opportunities for local youth, fostering a symbiotic relationship between environmental preservation and community empowerment.”
