Banjul, 14 June 2026: Two heritage professionals from the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have achieved major UNESCO-related milestones, strengthening The Gambia’s capacity to protect, manage and promote its cultural heritage.
Sana B. Jarju, Director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts at the NCAC and Focal Point for the UNESCO 2003 and 2005 Conventions, has been selected for a competitive year-long UNESCO World Heritage Mentorship placement.
Jarju is among a select group of emerging heritage professionals from across Africa chosen for the prestigious programme, which is designed to enhance expertise in World Heritage governance, Outstanding Universal Value, conservation, management and monitoring frameworks.
According to the NCAC, the 12-month mentorship will further equip Jarju with advanced knowledge and skills that will contribute to the effective implementation of the UNESCO 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which The Gambia signed in 1987.
The Gambia currently has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Kunta Kinteh Island and the Stone Circles. UNESCO recognised Jarju’s previous experience in managing The Gambia’s periodic reporting obligations under the UNESCO 2003 and 2005 Conventions, as well as his background in disaster risk reduction and postgraduate training in heritage management.
NCAC Director General Hassoum Ceesay congratulated Jarju on securing the placement, describing it as a significant achievement that supports the institution’s mandate to safeguard the country’s heritage properties.
“His mentors will assist him in grasping the most important UNESCO World Heritage concepts and techniques, which will strengthen the NCAC’s capacity to live up to the expectations of the 1972 Convention,” Ceesay said.
Meanwhile, another NCAC staff member, Musa Foon, Heritage Assistant at the Kankurang Centre in Janjanbureh, has been certified as a UNESCO Scientific Diver by the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), following a series of specialised trainings in underwater archaeology and diving.
Foon received his certification from UNESCO after successfully completing training programmes in Dakar, Senegal in 2020, followed by further training in Türkiye and Cabo Verde.
“During these trainings, I was able to excel, and this has paid off in my certification as a UNESCO-recognised diver,” Foon said.
He noted that his posting in Janjanbureh, Central River Region, has given him valuable exposure to underwater and associated heritage resources, including historic wharves, wells and boat wrecks found within the island community.
Foon credited the NCAC for providing opportunities for professional development through local and international training programmes, while also commending the Government for ratifying the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
Director General Ceesay also praised Foon’s achievement, noting that his new expertise would enhance NCAC’s ability to implement activities linked to the 2001 Convention.
He added that Foon’s skills would be valuable in future initiatives, including a proposed National Inventory of Old Wells, which the NCAC plans to undertake with support from UNESCO.
The achievements of Jarju and Foon highlight growing investment in specialised heritage expertise and reinforce The Gambia’s commitment to meeting its obligations under various UNESCO cultural heritage conventions.
By Lamin Njie
