Cleaning Up the Future in The Gambia

Cleaning Up the Future: Youth-Led Environmental Action in The Gambia

Who is Sarra Baldeh and what problem is he solving?

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.

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… read the full story

About the Author: Aarin Bothra

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On this episode of the Young Collaborators Podcast Series, we’re exploring the fight against littering and waste mismanagement with a very special guest, Sarra Baldeh! Sarra is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Jama Youth Organization, a youth-led group in The Gambia, Africa working to promote environmental sustainability through community clean-ups and sanitation education. Today, he’ll be sharing more about himself, the work of Jama Youth, and how young people are leading the charge for a cleaner future.

Learn about the Jama Youth Organization: Jama Youths Association J.Y.A | Facebook

About the host: Aarin Bothra is a 15-year-old high school student from Aurora, Illinois. He is an inventor, innovator and the Co-Founder and Director of Seeds of Hope, an environmental nonprofit. Aarin speaks English, Hindi, Japanese and Spanish. Aarin is the Growth and Social Media Intern for Innovation World and a regular co-host and translator for presenters at the Global Innovation Field Trip.

Listen to more young innovator podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1589629

Learn more about Innovation World: https://innovationworld.org/

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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.

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