By Yunus S. Saliu
Sanna B. Jarju, Director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts and Focal Point for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has been selected to participate in the 12-month UNESCO World Heritage Mentorship Programme for African heritage professionals.
Sanna B. Jarju, Director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts and Focal Point for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has been selected to participate in the 12-month UNESCO World Heritage Mentorship Programme for African heritage professionals.
The programme, organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, brings together selected emerging heritage professionals from across Africa to strengthen their expertise in heritage conservation, management, governance and monitoring.
According to NCAC, the mentorship programme is aimed at equipping participants with advanced technical knowledge in World Heritage governance, management systems and monitoring frameworks.
Upon completion of the programme, participants are expected to support African State Parties, including The Gambia, in effectively implementing the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
The Gambia is a signatory to the convention and currently has two sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites, and the Stone Circles of Senegambia.
UNESCO selected Jarju from a competitive pool of applicants across Africa based on his experience and expertise in heritage management.
His professional background includes serving as a national focal point, contributing to periodic reporting under the 2005 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, conducting research on intangible cultural heritage and disaster risk reduction, as well as holding advanced academic qualifications in tourism and heritage management.
During the year-long programme, Jarju will undertake studies on UNESCO conventions and key World Heritage concepts, including authenticity, integrity and intangible cultural heritage.
He will also receive training in heritage management systems, governance models, stakeholder engagement, statutory reporting procedures and the assessment of threats affecting World Heritage properties.
The programme further covers heritage impact assessments, disaster risk management, sustainable tourism management, conservation effectiveness and international best practices.
It is also expected to provide participants with opportunities for professional networking and collaboration with heritage experts across Africa and beyond.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the NCAC, congratulated Jarju on his selection, describing it as a significant achievement for both the institution and The Gambia.
Ceesay said the opportunity supports NCAC’s efforts to strengthen staff capacity and ensure that the country continues to meet its obligations under various UNESCO conventions to which it is a signatory.