By Yunus S Saliu
As recovery process from the coronavirus pandemic gets underway, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Thursday validated Combating Covid-19 impairment training modules for communities at Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites.
The project titled ‘Combatting Covid-19 Impairment at Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites Through Skills Training’ targets 50 women and youths in Juffureh, Albreda and Barra, the hosts of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The modules which covers different areas will be implemented through skills acquisition, community outreach and peer exchange. The project is supported by the German National Commission for UNESCO and German Foreign Ministry and implemented by the NCAC.
The daylong validation program held at the National Centre for Arts and Culture in Banjul was as well used to strengthen the capacity of the tour guides and also used to seek for their support in term of interpretation of the Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country.
The validated module covers different areas which include effective bookkeeping for sustainability in community based groups; using performing arts to add value to heritage site visitor experiences: festivals and song; understanding the Juffureh Destination Revamp Project, Customer care: Handling visitors to heritage sites; and producing quality souvenirs for packaging for sale.
Also, the Module further covers slavery, Kunta Kinteh, middle passage: historical facts about the Kunta Kinteh UNESCO Heritage Sites’ – ‘Roots: the book and novel, Fort Bullen: history, significance, a historical overview, tips in Health and Safety for Tour Guides, the process and significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and batik, tie and dye: practical and theory program.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of National Centre for Arts and Culture affirmed that the module is not just validated but implementation will follow immediately at Juffureh and Barra.
He added that the training session are meant to empower youths and women in UNESCO World heritage Site host communities against the Covid-19 pandemic impacts, and to strengthen the involvement of communities in UNESCO World heritage Sites management.