Owl Awareness Campaign in Mambolo, Kambia District
The Owl Awareness Campaign held on 14 October 2025 in Mambolo, Kambia District, aimed to address negative traditional beliefs about owls and encourage positive conservation practices. The program engaged school children, teachers, and the broader community to correct myths portraying owls as symbols of evil and to promote awareness of their ecological importance.
At the school level, the campaign featured interactive discussions and a pupil-led drama titled “Changing Evil Perception on Owls,” which creatively highlighted the harmless nature of owls and their vital role in controlling pests. These activities sparked dialogue and strengthened pupils’ confidence to advocate for wildlife conservation.
To expand the campaign’s reach, educational posters were distributed and displayed in key public areas—including schools, the health centre, and the market—ensuring visibility beyond the direct participants. Conservation-themed T‑shirts given to teachers and pupils further increased awareness in the community.
A major component of the outreach effort was an interactive radio program aired on Radio Kollenten, the station with the largest audience in Kambia District. Community members participated by sending in text messages with questions and comments, all of which were addressed live. This platform enabled the campaign to reach thousands more listeners, effectively debunking harmful myths associated with owls.
Overall, the initiative reached an estimated 8,000 people through school activities, educational materials, and radio engagement. Early feedback suggests improved public understanding of owls and a gradual shift away from long‑held superstitions. The campaign demonstrated the importance of education and communication in fostering wildlife conservation and promoting coexistence between communities and the natural environment.
