Africa-Press – Gambia. In response to an official invitation from the People’s Republic of China, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) last Thursday organized an orientation for a six-member delegation of female professionals selected to attend a seminar on “Female Professionals, Innovations, and Transformations of Clothes as Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
The training is currently underway in China and runs from July 15 to July 29, 2025. The seminar is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at strengthening international cooperation in cultural heritage preservation and innovation.
Speaking at the orientation, Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the NCAC, reflected on the significance of the invitation, noting that the delegates were selected from among active professionals in the creative industries, particularly in clothing design and cultural heritage.
The six selected participants are Adama Jatta – Creative Entrepreneur, Mariama Jallow – Proprietor of MJ Hair Dressing and Express Beauty Salon and Skills Training Centre, Aminata Jagne – Founder of Taaru Afrique, Bintou Jarju – Emids Promotion, Madeline Jallow – Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Practitioner, Halima Faal – Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Practitioner
DG Ceesay expressed his deep appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia for the continued trust and collaboration with NCAC and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
“This year alone, over twenty NCAC staff and cultural practitioners have benefitted from training opportunities in China, something unprecedented,” he said. “We are very grateful to the Ambassador and embassy staff for promoting cultural and artistic ties between The Gambia and China. International relations are not measured solely by economics or politics, cultural and artistic exchanges also play a vital role.”
DG Ceesay emphasized that all six delegates are creative entrepreneurs whose participation is not only beneficial to their personal growth but also a boost to The Gambia’s cultural diplomacy and the creative industries.
He also commended the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for encouraging the NCAC to strengthen its relationship with the Chinese Embassy. “The impact of China on our creative and cultural sectors has been profound. All previous cohorts have shared positive feedback on their experiences,” he added.
Mamat Sallah, Acting Director of Cultural Heritage NCAC, urged the delegates to represent not only the NCAC but the entire nation with dignity and pride.
“China has its own standards,” he said. “Stay focused, participate actively in discussions, and make meaningful contributions throughout the seminar. Be punctual, attentive, and observant during your site visits. Most importantly, carry with you the warmth and kindness The Gambia is known for.”
In response, the six delegates each expressed gratitude to the people of China, and expressed excitement for the opportunity to participate in the seminar, describing it as a valuable platform for growth, cultural exchange, and professional development.
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