Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-02-27 09:54:23
The University of The Gambia (UTG) Theatre-in-Education (TIE) Literature programme recently showcased their International Mother Language Day (IMLD) project at three schools in Kombo East on February 21st, 2024. The schools involved in this Community Outreach initiative were Faraba Banta Basic Cycle School, Pirang Upper and Senior Secondary School, and Kuloro Upper and Senior Secondary School.
The purpose of the project was to align with UNESCO’s theme for IMLD 2024, which focused on Multilingual Education: A Pillar of Learning and Intergenerational Learning. This annual celebration aims to raise awareness of language, cultural diversity, and multilingualism worldwide.
The UTG TIE project featured oral stories from village elders and dramatic performances by UTG and secondary school students. The performances included short stories, poems, proverbs, songs, and excerpts from plays written by Gambian authors. Students from both UTG and participating secondary schools contributed their own written pieces to the presentations, touching on Gambian history, traditions, folklore, and social issues affecting young girls. The languages spoken during the event included Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and Jola, with English translations provided as needed.
Feedback from both performers and audiences indicated that the event was a highly educational and cultural experience for everyone involved. The senior official at the UTG TIE Project emphasized that this IMLD project is just the beginning of a series of TIE initiatives planned for the semester, with a focus on promoting quality literary works in various languages for educational, social, and cultural development in The Gambia.
Upcoming projects at UTG’s Faraba Campus include an International Women’s Day interactive Book Exhibition in March and theatrical performances for World Theatre Day later that month. Admission to these events, as well as other TIE activities on and off campus, is free for all attendees.
Ma’am Grace Chapman, Lecturer and Director of UTG’s TIE Literature Programme, expressed her gratitude to the village elders, school principals, vice principals, secondary school students, and other contributors who made the IMLD project a success. She also acknowledged the support of Janet Badjan-Young for her artistic guidance, as well as the dedication of the UTG TIE Troupe members who volunteered their time and talents for this and other TIE programmes.
In conclusion, the IMLD project at UTG was a testament to the power of language, culture, and education in bridging communities and celebrating diversity. The ongoing efforts of the TIE Programme serve as a valuable tool for promoting literature, language, and cultural exchange in The Gambia and beyond.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
