The Importance of Primary School Development in the Fight Against Environmental and Marine Destruction

Primary school is the second point of entry in the education system of The Gambia. At

this stage, the development of children requires that they are provided with relevant

education and skills in other to promote sustainable environment and marine

conservation.

According to the United Nations Development Plan(UNDP) report on The Gambia's

effort to beat plastic pollution; Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced

every year for use in a wide variety of applications. At least 14 million tons of plastic end

up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from

surface waters to deep-sea sediments. The UNEP reports that an estimated 12 billion

tons of plastic waste is expected to be in landfills and the natural environment by 2050.

Plastic pollution is impacting negatively on the health of terrestrial, coastal, marine and

wetland habitats in The Gambia.

The Gambia is a net importer of plastics. Estimates show that in 2019, 1.6 million kg of

plastics were imported into the country. Averagely, 702,000 kg of Municipal Solid Waste

(MSW) is produced daily in the country, of which 9% is plastics, with about 84% of this

inadequately managed. Although the contribution of The Gambia to global marine plastics litter is small, the impact on the ocean economy of The Gambia is significant. 

Lack of education is one of the primary courses of environmental and water pollution. In

The Gambia, many people are not aware of the harmful effects of pollution on the

environment and their health. As a result, they engage in activities such as burning

trash, using non-renewable resources and deforestation. Lack of knowledge and

education also leads to the pollution of the air, water, land and destruction of the

ecosystems. This is why Primary School development for fighting against environment

and marine destruction is very crucial.

Mama Gina's Kids Foundation (MGK) is one of the non-governmental foundations

that is focused on enabling and facilitating the support for access to education and

healthcare for children in Ebotown, The Gambia. Part of the activities and programs of MGK is helping children with school supplies, engaging in environmental impact and activism through various activities like tree planting & plastic pollution education as well keeps an eye on their beneficiaries wellness through health check-ups. MGK started in 2023 and it now has 25 children beneficiaries supported through it's program. The foundation is looking forward to do monthly engagements with children on how to fight for the environment in the Gambia, specially in Ebotown with a focus on their environment of the mangrove ecosystem. This will make the children become strong advocates to fight against deforestation, plastic pollution and all other environmental and marine issues. This foundation can be a good example and motivation for the people of the Gambia to join hands and support children’s education in fighting against environmental and marine destruction.

Government and community organizations should continue to invest in educating children at primary school level about environmental and marine protection. Schools should also include environmental and marine education in their curriculums so that The Gambia can achieve a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.

Written by Kumba Sonko, MGK Volunteer and GMECI Community Writer & Journalist