Global Unification, Gambia chapter, last  Saturday organised an inter-schools quiz on the environment among high school students in the Greater Banjul Area,  at the KMC chambers in Kanifing.  

The quiz, which involved Daddy Jobe Comprehensive, SOS High School, Gambia Senior Secondary School and Apple Tree International, was aimed at creating general awareness among young people, students in particular, on the topical issues regarding the environment. Speaking at the ceremony, Madiba Sillah, Global Unification national committee secretary who doubled as the chairperson of the programme dilated on the rapid change of the environment due to man’s activities.  

He urged people to work together to find solutions to the climate change menace. He described the forum as a learning place for the students, adding that nobody was a loser. Ebrima S Dem, Global Unification national representative, said the forum was to provide the opportunity for studentst to exchange ideas and to learn from one another.  He cited the need for young people to be sensitised on environmental issues as they also contribute to environmental degradation. In giving a background information about GU-Gambia, Mr Dem recalled that Global Unification was formed in 2006 at UTG and since then, has embarked on a series of activities including partnerships with organisations so as to achieve environmental sustainability.

Anneke Hielkema, programme officer - Environment, Education and Communication at the National Environment Agency, presented a paper on the role of young people in the fight against environmental threats. She thanked Global Unification for organising the forum.  He urged people especially the young people to join the efforts to protect natural resources for national development. She noted that action must be taken on the climate change before it is too late.

She expressed hope that students will make the best use of the knowledge gained. Deborah Agboola, the GU Children's Welfare coordinator, in her vote of thanks, thanked the students for their participation in the competition. The programme was attended by students and a cross section of the community. Certificates and prizes were awarded to the participating schools. SOS High School emerged winners, followed by Gambia High School, Daddy Jobe Comprehensive and Apple Tree International.