Report on Commemoration of the Africa Climate Teach-in Day in The Gambia 6th June 2010, Gambia College Auditorium,

Brikama Campus Prepared by Madiba Sillah

L-R: Facuru, Evou Mendy, Peter Gibba, Hon. Jato Sillah and Alkali Dibba

Cross Section of the participants

Global Unification The Gambia (GU), in collaboration with the students Union and the Science Club of The University of The Gambia on Monday, 6th June 2011 organized a symposium on climate change, at the Gambia College campus in Brikama, West Coast Region. The forum organized to mark the World Climate Teach-in Day and the World Environment Day, aimed at promoting the teaching and learning of the science of climate change in higher learning institutions in the country, and to encourage public participation on environmental protection through sustainable living methods. The symposium was attended by the minister of Forestry t of and Environment, Hon. Jato Sillah, students of the University of the Gambia, volunteers of Global Unification and other youth climate action leaders in the country. In his welcome remarks, Alkali Dibba, the President of the Students Union of the University, thanked Global Unification for organizing the forum and for involving the University in it, describing the partnership as crucial. He also thanked the Science Club for taking part and also underscored the significance of Climate change research, education and information sharing as one key tools of reducing impacts of climate change on the people. He assured of the University Students Unions resolve to work closely with Global Unification to make positive changes in the community. Madiba Sillah, Secretary to National Committee of Global Unification, gave background information of the Africa Climate Teach-in Day. He explained it is a concept developed by the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences as part of the "International Climate Change Information Programme" (ICCIP). The day he said is commemorated annually on the 3rd June. And is geared towards disseminating the scientific information on climate change in Africa, a way that allows broader understanding of climate change, including elements related to its environmental, social, economic and policy aspects. He said, in the Gambia, Global Unification and partners observed the day as a way of intensifying its efforts in the fight against the threats and complications of climate change, and as well, avails a moment of reflection on the enormous challenges survival cause by the climate crises. It is observed that much can be gained by using scientific information to foster the debate on climate change at schools and universities across the world; hence the rationale behind involving the University of the Gambia in this celebration, he stated. Mr Sillah finally thanked the Students Union and Science Club of The Gambia for collaborating with the GU in marking the Day, and the minister of Forestry and the Environment, Jatto Silah, for honoring the invitation, describing him as a formidable partner in struggle for climate change solutions, especially youth-led ones in the country.

The President of the Science Club, Evou Mendy, expressed delight on behalf of the Science Club for being part of the programme and described climate change as a global concern. Facuru Sillah, Coordinator of the Youth OAU, made a presentation on the topic: Climate Change; everybodys concern. In his presentation, he highlighted the significant of collective efforts in the struggle for climate resilience in the country. He gave an extensive lecture on the effects of climate change on peoples livelihood and some adaptive measures we should do to cope with climate change. The other presenter was Peter Gibba from the Department of Water Resources. His topic focused on the health consequence of climate change and food security. He calls for putting adaptive measures to combat the complication. The Minister of Forestry and the Environment, Honorable Jatto Sillah, is his speech calls for more youth involvement in climate change issues in the country. He hailed the efforts of Global Unification for taking the lead and urged other youth organizations in the country to do the same. He also, pledged to continue his support to the association in whatever way he can. Jalika Keita, head of women and gender unit of Global Unification, gave the vote of thanks. Prior to that, there was a question and answer session. The program was chaired by Fatoumata Bah Camara, Deputy National Coordinator of Global Unification.