The prizes were given by a youth-led development organization, Beakanyang Kafo. The community of Jah Kunda emerged top as first prize winners with a cash prize of D2, 500, a certificate and farm clearing tools.
Kerewan took second and also earned a certificate, farm-clearing tools and a cash prize of D1, 800. Sutukonding village got third prize and received a certificate of achievement and cash prize of D1, 000. Consolation prizes of clearing materials were also given to the community of Barrow Kunda for the up keep of its woodlot garden.
Speaking during a brief presentation ceremony held at the Beakanyang sub-office in Barrow Kunda, the executive director, Nfamara Jawneh, congratulated the winners for their “outstanding performances and active participation” in protecting the planet.
According to him, the awards were meant to recognise the outstanding efforts of these communities among many in preserving the environment.
“The efforts you take to bring your woodlot gardens to where they are today and the effective utilisation of improved cooking stoves and its popularisation within your communities cannot go unnoticed. They needed to be recognised as we promised at the beginning of the project,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Ousman Makalo of Jah Kunda thanked Beakanyang for the recognition and promised that they will keep up the momentum.
Enaba Jabby of Kerewan in her comments said communities like theirs need more support like the one provided by Beakanyang to boost their efforts at environment preservation.
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