Waste Recycler Calls on Government to Invest in Creative Industry

By Sainabou Sambou

Mbaye Toure, a Senegalese creative artist residing in Bijilo has called on Government to invest in the creative industry and supporting Gambian youths. “The government needs to support the youths, especially the school dropouts,” he reiterated.

Mr Toure was exclusively speaking to Gambia Daily at the ongoing Trade Fair at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. His trade is recycling and reusing waste materials into beautiful objects like turning old tyres into chairs and stools among others.

The artist observed that a lot of things in the markets are imported. He however noted that if the youths of this country are into skill work, there will be a change in The Gambia.

“I want youths of this country to be creative and have knowledge of how to use unwanted or waste materials and turn them into something beautiful. Developed countries do not throw unwanted materials; they take them and create them into something beautiful,” he stated.

Mr. Toure went on to explain how he started turning car tyres into chairs and tables. He said that when he first came to The Gambia and saw people throwing car tyres or burning them, which can cause health problems to the people, he thought of going to the dumpsites, picking the tyres and making chairs and tables out of them and generating income for him.

Mbaye said he is training some young people on skill work and would like to continue training young Gambians before he goes back to Senegal.