By: Haruna Kuyateh
Worldview The Gambia (WTG), in collaboration with the National Volunteer Network, celebrated ECOWAS Volunteers Day at Essau Senior Secondary School in the North Bank Region. The event, held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Gambian Youth: Advancing National and ECOWAS Development through Volunteerism”, was supported by ECOWAS to promote youth participation and restore mangroves in wetland areas.
Ahmed Salami, Director of WTG, highlighted the importance of the annual celebration held on March 26, which aims to raise awareness among youth and women about the value of volunteerism.
He emphasized that the initiative empowers Gambian youth as agents of socio-economic and environmental transformation while strengthening volunteer networks aligned with national and ECOWAS development goals.
Salami explained that the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP), launched in 2010, showcases the impact of collective action in promoting democracy, sustainable development, and regional integration. By deploying skilled volunteers across member states, the program addresses critical needs in sectors like health, education, and youth empowerment, contributing to broader regional progress.
The celebration also served as a platform for skill-building, leadership development, and community service. Key activities included youth mobilization campaigns, training workshops, and the establishment of volunteer clubs under the National Volunteer Network to tackle local challenges aligned with ECOWAS priorities.
Salami also spotlighted the Mangrove Restoration for Youth Empowerment, Inclusive Volunteering, and Sustainable Development (MR-YEIVSD) project, funded by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC).
The initiative aims to promote volunteerism and address coastal erosion in North Bank communities through youth and community-led mangrove restoration efforts.
Omar Bun Sarr, Vice Principal of Essau Senior Secondary School, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting its role in raising awareness about climate change and encouraging student engagement in environmental stewardship.
Lamin Drammeh, retired environmentalist and Acting Alkalo of Medina Kanuma, emphasized the ecological and economic benefits of mangrove restoration, including eco-tourism.
Women leader Haddy Bah and student Dalanda Jallow also praised the initiative for empowering youth and women.
The event concluded with award presentations to community leaders, women, media, and students for their contributions, reinforcing youth volunteer networks and fostering collaboration across ECOWAS member states for sustainable development.