By Yunus S. Saliu
In a historic move for The Gambia’s creative industry, five Gambian tailors will travel to China to participate in a 15-day intensive training program in textile technology at the prestigious China Textile University in Beijing. The initiative is fully sponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Banjul.
The Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Hassoum Ceesay, revealed the news after leading the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Abdoulie Jobe, on Wednesday. The visit was part of preparations ahead of the team’s departure on May 14th.
DG Ceesay highlighted the significance of the training, saying, “This is the first time Gambian tailors, who are a crucial part of our arts and culture sector, will receive such training in China.” The tailors selected for the program represent the KM Regional Tailors Association, Gambia Tailors Union, Latrikunda Women’s Tailors Association, and Banjul Tailors’ Association.
He further explained that the initiative aligns with the directives of the Honourable Minister for NCAC to strengthen partnerships with the Chinese Embassy to ensure creative sector benefit from capacity-building opportunities under the YIRWA Development Project, spearheaded by the government of President Adama Barrow.
“The training will cover textile management, technology, and governance,” DG Ceesay said and added “We hope they return equipped to transform their tailoring workshops into hubs of job creation and income generation for the youth.”
In his remarks, Minister Abdoulie Jobe commended the delegation for their commitment and assured them of his Ministry’s and the government’s full support. He also expressed deep appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support in strengthening The Gambia’s creative sector.
“I sincerely thank the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for this laudable gesture. It is a step forward in deepening cultural and technical cooperation,” the Minister said.
The tailors, led by Fatou Korka, President of the Latrikunda Women’s Tailors Association, and members expressed their gratitude to the NCAC for facilitating the opportunity and to the Chinese Embassy for offering the scholarship. They praised the NCAC for its ongoing efforts to promote arts and culture in The Gambia.
