By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Women Initiative Gambia (WIG), based in Njau, Lower Saloum District, Central River Region, on Sunday concluded its school tree-growing exercise.
The exercise involved planting of 960 fruit and non-fruit trees across Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools in CRR North.
The initiative, dubbed “Reforest the Future Schools Tree Growing,” also promotes the establishment of Environment Heroes Clubs in schools to champion environmental protection and climate resilience.
The exercise brought together young environmental champions from Njau, who were urged to take the lead in the reforestation process and become change agents in their communities.
Speaking at the event, Isatou Ceesay, Executive Director of WIG, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to working with schools in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
She explains that the initiative aims to inspire students to lead a green revolution by restoring lost forest cover. According to her, WIG also focuses on waste management through recycling plastic bags into useful products, promoting organic manure, supporting women’s entrepreneurship, and training communities in tree nursery management, processing, and preservation of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses.
Ceesay noted that each student is encouraged to “own a tree” and monitor its growth weekly and monthly. She added that the trees will serve as windbreakers, provide shade, and contribute to public health, while instilling in students the importance of environmental stewardship.
Mai Jallow of Sinchu Baya, President of the Women Entrepreneurs and Environmental Group, expressed gratitude to WIG for its continuous support towards women’s empowerment. She cited various training programs offered by WIG — including recycling plastics into handbags and keyholders, entrepreneurship, soap making, savings mobilization, and the use of organic manure as life-changing initiatives for women and youth.
She further urged students and communities to support reforestation efforts in schools and beyond, describing it as a vital step in creating a greener environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Lamin Nyangado, Principal of Kaur Upper Basic School, commended the initiative led by WIG’s founder and former student, Isatou Ceesay, noting that it reflects the true spirit of giving back to one’s community.
He assured that all the planted trees would be well cared for, emphasizing that tree growing not only adds value to human life but also builds environmental consciousness among young people.
Similarly, Yankuba Colley, Teacher Coordinator at Kaur Senior Secondary School, hailed the greening efforts of WIG and described the partnership as “a milestone worth sustaining.” He assured that both students and teachers are committed to nurturing the trees and maintaining the project’s success.
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By: Haruna Kuyateh The Women Initiative Gambia (WIG), based in Njau, Lower Saloum District, Central River Region, on Sunday concluded…
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