Banjul, 14th April 2025: Worldview The Gambia (WTG), a local NGO, in collaboration with National Volunteer Network and with funding from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, April 8th celebrated the ECOWAS Volunteers Day (EVD) on the theme: ‘Harnessing the Power of Gambian Youth: Advancing National and ECOWAS Development through Volunteerism. The event was held at Essau Senior Secondary School in Lower Nuimi, North Bank Region.
The day, generally celebrated on 26th March each year, aimed at promoting youths’ participation in volunteerism and community development.
North Bank celebration was centred the value of mangrove restoration for the conservation of the wetlands.
Director of Worldview, Ahmed Salami, described the day as important in creating more public awareness among school-going children and women, a view to promoting and enhancing voluntarism in serving humanity.
“The objectives are to mobilise and empower Gambian youths as agents of social, economic, and environmental transformation; strengthen volunteer networks within The Gambia and align them with national and ECOWAS development priorities,” he stated.
Mr Salami explained that the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP), launched in 2010, exemplifies the power of collective action. “Its mission to promote democracy, sustainable development, and regional integration has resonated across West Africa. Through the recruitment of skilled and passionate individuals from member states, the EVP addresses critical needs in sectors; such as health, education, and youth empowerment, contributing to social and economic progress in host communities”.
The programme has made significant contributions to regional peace and development, with deployments in countries like Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
He went on: “The initiative aims to enhance transformative power of youth-led volunteerism in advancing sustainable development within The Gambia while aligning with ECOWAS’ broader objectives of regional unity and progress”.
The World View Director alluded to the fact that celebration would provide a platform for youth to engage in skill- acquisition development, leadership and impactful community service through promoting the culture of volunteerism as a means of fostering community resilience, youth engagement and national unity.
Mr Salami opined that volunteerism is a powerful catalyst for national development and regional integration. He said by harnessing the energy, passion, and innovation of Gambian youth through volunteerism, The Gambia can advance its national development goals while making meaningful contributions to ECOWAS’ vision of a united and progressive West Africa.
Mr Omar Bun Sarr, Vice Principal of Essau Senior Secondary School thanked Worldview The Gambia, National Volunteer Network and ECOWAS for rolling out mangrove restoration programme with the school, noting that it has greatly enhanced the understanding of mangrove restoration in mitigating the effect of climate change.
He said the partnership would harness the mindset of student on the importance of voluntarism, and better prepare them to lead and serve their communities.
Lamin Drammeh, acting alkalo of Medina Kanuma and retired environmentalist dilated on the significance of mangrove restoration, citing economic and ecological benefits, including promoting eco-tourism. The alkalo described community participation as crucial, saying it empowers communities to take active roles in the restoration and preservation.
Haddy Bah, women leader at Medina Kanuma thanked Worldview and ECOWAS Commission through the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) for the foresight of working with youths and women in leading sound restoration of mangroves.
“It will also strengthen networks of youth volunteers contributing to sustainable development and enhance capacity of Gambian youths to drive community-led solutions and foster regional progress,” she concluded.
The event also witnessed presentation of awards to community leaders, women, media and students, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in community development.
By Alhagie Babou Jallow
