By Alieu Ceesay
In an era where globalization threatens to erode traditional knowledge and practices, the UNESCO Banjul Office has taken a bold step to safeguard The Gambia’s intangible cultural heritage.
On Tuesday, a training program for curriculum officers and teachers kicked off. The program aims to weave cultural elements like traditional storytelling and indigenous crafts into the nation’s education system, ensuring that younger generations remain rooted in their cultural identity.
The training at the NANA premises along the Bertil Harding Highway is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between culture and education.
Mr. Lamin Ceesay, Admin and Secretary General for the National Federation for Gambia Clubs of UNESCO, underscored its importance in an interview with The Alkamba Times (TAT): “This training is a reflection of traditional heritage and the preservation of culture through education. There are a lot of cultural things that are falling away, so UNESCO, as an international organization promoting culture, deems it necessary for young people to know much about their culture, especially this intangible heritage culture,” he said.
This marks the second phase of UNESCO’s ongoing campaign to engage communities, students, and educators in preserving cultural heritage. Organizers emphasized that integrating these elements into education curriculums not only preserves traditions but also enhances students’ skills and understanding. “Education curriculums are basically meant to promote and develop the skills of students, boost their understanding in their respective areas, and enhance competence development,” they explained.
The initiative has received strong support from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Momodou Jagne, Director of Curriculum, Research, Evaluation, and Development, hailed the program as a timely addition to ongoing curriculum reforms. “This is coming at the right time because we are now reforming the curriculum and giving a lot of emphasis on the learning of values, culture, and the cultural heritage of The Gambia,” he told TAT. Jagne added that the effort aligns with the government’s education policy, noting, “A policy goes with commitment, and commitments are to be implemented.”
Participants, including Demba O. Khan, expressed enthusiasm for the two-day program. “I’m here to participate in the training and understand the concepts of culture and its heritage,” Khan shared. By equipping educators with this knowledge, UNESCO aims to empower them to play a pivotal role in preserving The Gambia’s rich traditions.
As the training unfolds, it stands as a testament to the power of education in safeguarding cultural legacies, ensuring that The Gambia’s stories, crafts, and values endure for generations to come.
