By Lamin Njie
The Gambia, through the National Centre for Arts and Culture, under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, cele-brated Africa World Heritage Day on Tuesday 14th May 2024 at the National Museum in Banjul, with the theme, ‘Safeguarding Africa’s Heritage Through Education’. The day is normally celebrated on the 5th May each year around the World.
The day witnessed the awarding of certificates to 25 youths from Banjul who have recently concluded training on tour guiding the city of Banjul.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General, the National Centre for Arts and Culture, highlighting the significance of the day, explained that it was proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2015. He said it serves as an opportunity for people around the world particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent’s outstanding cultural and natural heritage.
“We are celebrating this day to raise awareness about the importance of Africa’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, and to encourage people to take an active role in its conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.To encourage appreciation, ownership, and participation of the various stakeholders in the preservation and promotion of African heritage,” he stated.
The event, Mr. Ceesay went on, intends to promote international cooperation and regional integration between Afri-can countries to protect and manage shared heritage, to bridge cultural divides, and to promote mutual respect and understanding between different communities.
He finally commended the Banjul City Council and its partners for their support in ensuring the event succeeded.
Deputy Mayor, Banjul City Council, Abdul Aziz Dabahk Gaye, said no society or country can progress without culture. He, therefore, called for the protection and preservation of Gambia’s cultural heritage.
He commended the National Centre for Arts and Culture for celebrating the day and assured that his office and the centre will continue to team up for the development of the cultural heritage of the capital city of Banjul.
The celebration was presided over by Isatou Drammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cul-ture, and was graced by partners, and staff of the National Centre for Arts and Culture.
