icecoolgambia

The Project: Compressed Paper Bricks & Fuel efficient stoves When collecting waste paper and card-board a high percentage of this waste is not suitable for producing our standard products. We have looked for some time to utilise this waste so it does not have to be disposed off in the normal “local” way, which is either back into a landfill or even burning. I have been thinking about ways how to harness the energy released by burning and some internet research has identified a number of projects. One such project has been in existence in South Africa since the mid 1980’s turning waste paper, mixed with sawdust, into compressed paper bricks. These are then used to replace charcoal or firewood as an alternative heat source for cooking in fuel efficient stoves. We have carried out some test pressing and burning of bricks since November 2007 on an experimental scale and we now feel confident that a similar scheme can be operated here in The Gambia by PRSP. This would enable us finally to recycle all the waste we collect and expand our operation even further. All profits generated would of course go towards our ultimate objective of assisting education within The Gambia. Objectives: 1. To re-use or re-cycle as much paper and card waste created in a way beneficial to the community and the environment. 2. To benefit the community by introducing a new source of affordable cooking fuel and more fuel efficient cooking stoves both on a commercial and community level. 3. To benefit the environment by: a) reducing paper and card waste both on a bulk level and within the community’s surroundings. b) reducing the use of charcoal and wood by providing an alternative fuel source.

The Charity A brief History The first ever Paper Mill in The Gambia was established and registered as a charitable organisation in 2001 by May Rooney, an English graphic arts student. The Mill is located in Fajikunda and is officially known as the Paper Recycling Skills Project. The aim of PRSP is to donate much needed exercise books to school students which are purchased with the proceeds from selling recycled added value hand made products from the Mill, such as fabric covered note books, cards, writing paper etc. Working closely with the Department of State for Education to identify schools with the most needy students, PRSP has distributed free of charge over 45,000 books, benefiting over 20,000 students and making a significant contribution to further education in the country. There are other benefits generated by the activities of PRSP. It provides training opportunities for a number of youths in paper making, book binding and sewing and as of the beginning of 2007 is providing employment for eleven staff. All materials used are recycled, helping to preserve our physical environment, and a product development programme is under way to use recycled plastics and fabric to expand the product range. PRSP’s products are now available from a large number of retail outlets and hotels and the sales tax generated by these outlets contributes towards The Gambia’s governments running costs. Thanks to two successive grants in 2005 and 2006 from the Plymouth Banjul Challenge PRSP has been able to purchase its own premises. In March 2007 the Paper Mill became the first occupant in the PRSP Craft Village. Another 7 units are available for a variety of artists and artisans to join The Gambia’s first ever establishment where traditional crafts are taught and preserved, new crafts researched and practised and the resulting products exhibited and marketed in an effective way. PRSP Craft Village Project 2008 Phase II The Management Board of PRSP is aware of the potential importance of the Craft Village as an important institution not only for the Charity but also for the local Arts and Craft community, The Gambia and the Sub-region. To this effect, Mr George Riegg, the Vice Chair of the Charity, has been appointed as the Craft Village Manager to ensure the speedy establishment and the efficient running of the Institution. Arts and Craft are an important element of the cultural heritage of The Gambia. They also play an essential role in the economic development of the country by providing goods for sale here and abroad. The ever increasing tourism sector will also benefit greatly from an institution where artists, artisans and craft people can creatively interact and produce goods of interests and quality. The establishment of the Craft Village will have the following positive impact on capacity building: Main Objectives: 1. All profits generated by the PRSP Craft Village are converted into free exercise books for the School children of The Gambia. 2. To establish a Craft learning centre to help preserve the cultural heritage of The Gambia for future generations by holding workshops for local students and communities. 3. To establish links with foreign colleges and universities and to host student workshops teaching the importance that Arts and Craft play in assisting The Gambia to achieve economic development in a sustainable and responsible manner. 4. To support and develop the local community by providing employment opportunities, assist local infra-structure and use the centre as a focal point for building local capacity Direct Beneficiary: The direct beneficiary will be PRSP. More income generated for the Charity means more profits which means more exercise books for the school children of The Gambia. The Charity would also have a more secure and sustainable footing for the future. Indirect Beneficiaries include: ? Other artists, artisans and craft people finding a space to carry out their work in a conducive and creative community. ? The local community. Employment opportunities would be created and the local infrastructure would be improved ( NAWEC and Gamtel connection, improved roads, internet cafe etc. ). The Conference centre could be used for local training and workshops assisting capacity building within the community. ? A new and exciting experience for tourists to visit and attend workshops. ? We intend to become a recognised training institution and register with the National Training Authority. School children and students will attend workshops to learn new skills and the positive environmental impact of recycling. ? By hosting foreign student groups for conferences and arts & craft workshops the cultural diversity would be publicised on an international level, assisting economic and cultural development and capacity building. ? We are constantly developing new products using recycled materials such as paper, card board, fabric and plastics. As PRSP expands our positive impact on the environment will be two-fold: 1. An increasing amount of waste will be recycled. 2. Through our activities a large number of people will be sensitised to the importance of recycling and the positive environmental impact we can achieve.