Senegal launches a youth-driven awareness campaign to protect coastal environments, focusing on education, sustainability, and the importance of safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
The Guediawaye beach, located on the outskirts of Senegal’s capital city, spans five hectares. Previously used for bathing purposes, the area is now being eroded over time.
However, Guediawaye holds the distinction of being Dakar’s most densely populated commune.
In order to partake in nautical endeavors, a significant number of locals must make their way to the city and fork out money for admittance into private coastline areas.
CJS made the decision to take action.
The body unites local organizations with the aim of fostering the empowerment and development of Senegalese youth.
During every school break, the CJS has initiated a cheerful and informative venture that is currently in full motion.
Sobel Aziz NGOM, President of the Senegal Youth Consortium, announces that a year ago they began the Gued Beach project with the objective to revive one of Africa’s most stunning beaches – Guediawaye beach situated in Senegal.
In order to make a positive impact on the youth, we created cultural and sports activities. As part of this initiative, we have installed light fixtures where children can enjoy themselves while discovering new forms of exercise and art.
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Young residents inundate Guediawaye beach every weekend to master various activities such as swimming, squad drills, dancing, golfing and boxing.
At the Senegal youth consortium, instructors instill in their students that they hold responsibility for maintaining the beach.
According to squad coach Ahmed Aliou Sow, our presence here is not solely for amusement.
Our purpose is to engage in discussions with the youth and increase their understanding regarding coastal erosion as well as other environmental concerns. Additionally, we strive to encourage them towards taking measures for preserving their beach. This includes reminding individuals of responsible waste disposal practices whenever they purchase a ticket or witness instances of littering on the sand that could potentially harm our environment.
Once additional activities are established in the long run, approximately 400 job opportunities will be generated within the coming months.
The youth in the west African nation experience a high rate of unemployment.
In recent years, Senegal has implemented measures to address the issue of erosion along its vast 700 km coastline.
The Senegalese Directorate for Environment estimates that the average coastal erosion causing a withdrawal of shoreline is between 0.5 and 2 meters every year.
