Who is Sarra Baldeh?

Today, I bring you the inspiring story of Sarra Baldeh, a dedicated advocate for proper waste management, environmental education, and youth empowerment in The Gambia, Africa. He is the vice president of the Jama Youth Organization and also the In-Country Ambassador for Wonders of This Place-Climate Education. With a background in Public and Environmental Health, Sarra’s leadership is shaping community-driven initiatives that address waste mismanagement, sanitation, and long-term sustainability. His work focuses on finding solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also create opportunities for youth, improve public health, and tackle pressing socio-economic issues in his country. 

What problem is Sarra solving?

In The Gambia, waste mismanagement is a critical issue that affects both public health and the environment. Indiscriminate waste disposal has led to severe environmental pollution and increased health risks such as respiratory diseases. Many communities lack the proper infrastructure and awareness necessary to manage waste effectively. The problem is so widespread that in January 2024, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia acknowledged in a televised interview that waste mismanagement remains one of the country’s biggest challenges.

Sarra recognized that addressing this issue requires both immediate action and long-term behavioral change. Waste is not just a nuisance—it is a public health crisis that affects livelihoods, the economy, and the well-being of future generations. He also noticed that sanitation and waste management were not isolated issues; they were connected to other factors like employment, education, and economic stability. By addressing the issue of waste in The Gambia, Sarra is also creating a foundation for job opportunities, reducing poverty, and promoting overall social stability.

How is he solving this problem?

Sarra co-founded the Jama Youth Organization, which tackles The Gambia’s waste crisis through direct action and long-term education. The organization works in partnership with municipalities and local communities to implement large-scale clean-up efforts in some of the most densely populated markets and urban centers in The Gambia. These events pick up and remove litter while also raising public awareness. They serve as an outlet for citizens to help in the fight against waste mismanagement and take responsibility for their surroundings. By involving young people in these efforts, Jama Youth fosters a culture of civic engagement and environmental consciousness.

In addition to these clean-up initiatives, Sarra leads the Sanitation Education Program, an initiative designed to teach school-aged children about proper waste management and environmental stewardship. Instead of just discouraging littering, the program aims to ensure that environmental consciousness becomes an integral part of their lives. By making this a part of education, Jama Youth is shaping a generation of young people who understand the importance of taking care of the environment because a clean environment is essential for a healthy and happy community.

What obstacles or issues did he have to overcome?

The organization has faced several challenges. The most pressing of these is funding. While the importance of Jama Youth’s work is very high, financial resources remain limited. Jama Youth is primarily supported through contributions and donations that it receives. As a result, sustaining their initiatives and reaching more communities is difficult. However, Sarra made it clear that this is not something that will stop them.

Other challenges include the fact that it can be difficult to change the public mindset about littering and waste management. Oftentimes, people do what is easy for them without considering its impact on their surroundings, and this behavior is something that Sarra is trying to combat. Finally, another challenge is the scarcity of appropriate waste disposal facilities in the Gambia. Nonetheless, Sarra and his team remain determined in their mission, finding creative ways to work within their limitations and seeking partnerships to expand their impact.

What has he accomplished?

Since its inception, Jama Youth has partnered with some of The Gambia’s most populous municipalities, leading to the removal of tons of waste and the improvement of living conditions in several areas. Their efforts have not only led to cleaner streets but have also inspired a shift in how communities view sanitation.

Beyond immediate waste removal, Jama Youth has successfully inspired younger students in The Gambia to take initiative in their communities. The Sanitation Education Program, in particular, has seen significant success, with many schools integrating environmental responsibility into their curriculum. Through hands-on education and direct action, Jama Youth is building a generation that understands the importance of sustainability and is equipped to take action.

What are his goals for the future?

Sarra and Jama Youth have ambitious plans for the future, with a focus on expanding their reach and deepening their impact. One of their major goals is to establish community sanitation programs in partnership with municipalities to create structured programs that offer employment opportunities for young people while improving urban sanitation. By doing so, they hope to reduce crime and provide sustainable livelihoods for the youth.

Another initiative in the works is a plan to promote agricultural science education by introducing community vegetable gardens. These gardens will serve as both an educational tool and a means of promoting food security, providing young people with the skills necessary to participate in sustainable farming. Those who work in the gardens will gain practical agricultural science skills while also benefiting their communities and the environment.

Jama Youth also hopes to integrate creative arts into sanitation education, making learning more engaging and impactful. Through poetry and storytelling, they aim to inspire a deeper emotional connection to environmental responsibility. Additionally, Sarra and his team are working on long-term solutions to address irregular migration. Many young Gambians undertake dangerous journeys to Europe in search of better opportunities, often facing exploitation and abuse. By creating local economic opportunities through environmental work, Jama Youth seeks to address the root causes of migration and encourage young people to build their futures at home.

How can others help or get involved?

Jama Youth welcomes support in various forms, including leadership training and professional development opportunities for young volunteers to enhance their impact. Financial support and funding are also crucial, as it would allow them to expand sanitation education, increase the scale of clean-up events, and improve access to necessary materials. They are also seeking collaborations and partnerships with organizations that share their vision for sustainability and youth empowerment. You can contact Sarra at his email, sarrafanta@gmail.com, or on his LinkedIn account, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarra-baldeh-875739351/.

Sarra Baldeh’s journey with Jama Youth is a testament to the power of youth-led movements in driving meaningful change. His leadership exemplifies how activism can create tangible improvements in public health and environmental sustainability. By addressing waste management through education, action, and advocacy, Jama Youth is proving that young people are not just the future—they are the present.