The Raise The Young Foundation (RTYF) has once again demonstrated its commitment to community action and environmental sustainability through a successful Beach Cleaning Exercise held at Kololi Beach on Saturday, November 2, 2025.
The event, themed “Clean Coast, Safe Future,” brought together over 100 young volunteers, including students, community members, and environmental activists, to help remove waste and plastic pollution from the shoreline.
Armed with gloves, waste bags, and determination, participants collected several tons of litter—ranging from plastic bottles and food wrappers to fishing nets and other debris—helping to restore the natural beauty of one of The Gambia’s most visited beaches.
In her opening remarks, RTYF Executive Director, [insert name], emphasized that environmental health is directly linked to community well-being:
“Protecting our beaches is protecting our future. The fight for gender equality and social justice goes hand-in-hand with the fight for a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.”
The initiative also featured awareness talks on waste management, the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, and the importance of youth participation in climate action. RTYF members encouraged beachgoers to take personal responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and reducing single-use plastics.
A highlight of the day was the Youth Pledge for the Planet, where volunteers signed a commitment board promising to adopt sustainable habits and advocate for environmental awareness in their communities.
RTYF’s beach cleaning exercise is part of its broader Green Action Campaign, which focuses on environmental education, climate resilience, and sustainable community development. Through such initiatives, the foundation continues to promote a holistic approach to empowerment — one that values people, planet, and progress.
“The energy, teamwork, and passion we saw today remind us that change starts with small actions that inspire bigger impact,” said Mariama Sowe, RTYF Youth Ambassador.
The Foundation plans to expand its cleanup initiative to other coastal and riverine communities in 2026, working closely with local councils, schools, and tourism stakeholders to sustain The Gambia’s reputation as “The Smiling Coast of Africa.”