Cultivating the Next Generation of Gambian Climate Defenders
Founded along the banks of River Gambia, Ecokids transforms young citizens into certified frontline conservationists restoring mangroves, protecting coastlines, and leading school-based climate innovations.
Why We Stand for The Gambia’s Living Ecosystems
The Gambia is one of Africa’s most vulnerable nations to climate change. With over 80 kilometers of low-lying Atlantic coastline and a tidal river system stretching through the heart of the country, rising sea levels and intense coastal erosion threaten fishing villages, cultural landmarks, and primary schools daily.
Ecokids was founded in 2021 by Gambian youth advocates, forestry technicians, and educators. We observed that while international climate conferences produced endless declarations, local mangrove belts along the Tanbi Wetlands and River Gambia estuary were rapidly shrinking due to fuelwood extraction and urban encroachment.
Our premise is simple yet radical: Equip youth with scientific training, give them seedlings, establish student-managed nurseries, and let them lead. Today, our network spans over 46 schools across all six administrative divisions of The Gambia.
The Guiding Principles of Our Work
Every tree planted, classroom lecture delivered, and Dalasi spent is anchored in our four core organizational tenets.
Youth-Led Stewardship
Believing that Gambian children and young people are the most potent catalysts for ecological resilience and behavioral change.
Radical Transparency & Integrity
Maintaining full accountability to our community, donor partners, and the pristine ecosystems we serve.
Community-Rooted Action
Working hand-in-hand with local Alkalo (village heads), women gardeners, and community elders across all 6 regions.
Science & Indigenous Wisdom
Fusing modern climate science and satellite tracking with indigenous Gambian agro-forestry and wetland wisdom.
Strategic Impact Targets (2026 – 2030)
Measurable ecological goals validated with Gambian environmental authorities.
100,000 Mangrove & Native Trees
Restore 120 hectares of degraded shoreline along the Tanbi Wetland Complex and Lower River Region estuaries.
100 Nationwide School Eco-Clubs
Expand green curricula into 100 schools across West Coast, Central River, and Upper River Regions with active school gardens.
Zero Waste Coastal Zones
Establish community circular recycling hubs at 8 major fishing & tourism beaches from Bakau to Kartong.
National Green Youth Academy
Train 5,000 young Gambians in solar installation, agro-forestry, composting, and environmental project administration.
Leadership Team & Field Coordinators
Dedicated conservation practitioners, educators, and youth organizers managing day-to-day Gambian operations.
Board of Trustees & Advisory Council
Providing legal compliance, grant oversight, scientific auditing, and strategic counsel to maintain the highest standards of NGO integrity.
Dr. Lamin Touray
Former Senior Environmental Scientist at Department of Parks & Wildlife Management (DPWM), specialist in West African mangrove estuaries.
Awa Ceesay, Esq.
Human rights and environmental law advocate with over 14 years supporting non-profit governance and NGO compliance in The Gambia.
Alhaji Modou Njie
Respected Alkalo council advisor promoting youth agro-forestry and sustainable soil regeneration in Lower River Region.
Mariama Sanneh, MSc
Chartered public accountant specializing in donor grant audits, USAID/UNDP compliance, and institutional transparency.
Where Every Dalasi, Dollar, and Euro Goes
Ecokids is committed to 100% public financial accountability. We believe every individual donor, philanthropy foundation, and corporate partner deserves transparent, verifiable proof of impact.
Propagule harvesting, nursery soil substrate, polypots, transport to planting sites, and 2-year drone & community survival bio-monitoring.
Science workbooks, weather instruments, organic vegetable garden seeds, teacher training workshops, and inter-school climate debate prizes.
Waders, puncture-resistant gloves, digital hanging scales for waste audits, plastic shredder maintenance, and youth hydration stations.
Independent annual financial audits, regulatory NGO filing, GIS mapping software, and transparent donor impact reporting.
Certified Legal Standing
The Republic of The Gambia