By Fatou Bojang
The National Commission for UNESCO in The Gambia has recently conducted a two-day training workshop for education curriculum officers and teachers in partnership with the National Federation of The Gambia Clubs for UNESCO and ASPnet. This initiative is part of the UNESCO Participation Program project, which aims to incorporate living heritage into school curricula.
Lamin Jarjou, Senior Program Officer at UNESCO and National Coordinator for ASPnet, highlighted the significance of this training. “The Gambia ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in May 2011, and since then, we have acknowledged the importance of promoting local cultures,” he remarked.
This training follows a needs assessment conducted by UNESCO in 2015, which underscored the necessity of raising awareness about safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and developing a national strategy.
The assessment revealed an intense desire among stakeholders to create community-based inventories and enhance their capacity for establishing effective safeguarding plans.
The recent training aimed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the 2003 Convention, offer methodologies for participatory community-based inventories, and support the development of safeguarding plans.
Sanna B. Jarju from the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) underscored the progress made since the Convention’s ratification, stating, “The Gambia has compiled an impressive list of 30 ICH elements, establishing a benchmark for other State Parties engaged in UNESCO’s living heritage initiatives.”
In recognition of its commitment to implementing the Convention, the Gambia received $100,000 in international assistance in October 2024 for a two-year project to further safeguard its living heritage. This project is set to commence shortly.
Momodou Jeng, Director of Curriculum, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to cultural heritage through educational reforms. “Our Education Policy 2016-2030 emphasizes protecting and safeguarding our cultural heritage. Introducing a standalone Social Studies subject in the curriculum reflects our commitment to promoting cultural values,” he remarked.
This training represents a crucial step in The Gambia’s efforts to incorporate its rich cultural heritage into the education system, ensuring that future generations recognize and preserve their unique traditions.
