By: Fatou krubally
As The Gambia gears up to celebrate its 60th Independence anniversary, the government has launched a national design competition for students from Grades 7 to 12. The initiative, spearheaded by The Gambia @60 Media and Advocacy Sub-Committee, invites young artists to create commemorative brand concepts that reflect the Diamond Jubilee theme: “Marching in Solidarity for Self-Reliance and National Development.”
The contest aims to foster creativity among students while encouraging them to express their artistic interpretations of national development and unity. Open to students from conventional schools, Madrassas, and other educational institutions with equivalent grade levels, the competition offers a platform for showcasing artistic talent in celebration of The Gambia’s journey since independence.
Participants can submit hand-drawn designs using materials from their Arts and Crafts classes.
Regional Education Directorates will coordinate submissions from schools across the country, ensuring accessibility for students nationwide. Entries must be properly labeled and submitted to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in Banjul by Friday, 28th February 2025.
An independent panel of seasoned art professionals will judge the submissions, selecting the most outstanding entries for exhibition. The winning designs will contribute to a visual arts showcase aligned with The Gambia’s national transformation over the past six decades.
For inquiries, schools and students can contact the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Programmes at MoBSE or the Deputy Government Spokesperson via the provided phone numbers and email addresses.
With this initiative, the government hopes to inspire a new generation of artists while reinforcing national pride and self-reliance through creativity. As the Diamond Jubilee approaches, the competition stands as a meaningful tribute to The Gambia’s artistic talent and rich cultural heritage.