Exploring the hidden talents in young people

A young Gambian lady called Fatoumatta Drameh has a vision for the young people of the Gambia and the country as a whole. She wants to create a platform that would unveil the hidden talents in young people. "We're trying to identify what is an identity for the Gambian art, but I must emphasise that this is not a modelling competition," she said.

According to her, she conceived the idea but is in the process with other well-meaning Gambians to make her dream come true.

Fatoumatta is concerned about what she saw with many young people, especially during Sunday beach and other areas where young people are seen idling.

She, therefore, brings on board other Gambians to organise what she called Jump Off. The Jump Off 2010 is a summer youth talent tournament, that has been designed to encourage youth between the ages of 15 to 21 of the Gambia to nurture and showcase their talents in singing, fashion design, visual arts and dance.

The emphasis to 'battle out the talents' is to encourage more public speaking, self esteem, expression of originality and definitely talents.

The competition, she revealed, would be showcased on television, radios, magazines and online.

So far, some one thousand kids have been registered with the programme and would enjoy free media exposure, professional training at no cost as well as prizes would equally be awarded.

The young UK-trained Gambian lady believes in supporting and embracing different talents in locals and, as a result is partnering with some prominent Gambian experts to make the event a success. 

From the 16th to 17 October 2010, participants will be gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Brufut for the event, after which more intensive training sessions will be held.

She pledged that they would provide feeding, clothing and safety to all the participants, and thus encourage parents to watch their television screens to see the hidden potentials in their kids.

Fatoumatta is appreciative of the support and encouragement she continues to receive from Mrs. Fatou Mass Jobe and Mr. Bai Mattar Drameh.

She also has confidence and high admiration for her team and others such as Ibrahim Ceesay, Lamin Manga, Saidou Jallow, Momodou Joof, Abdou Karim, and Malang Jarsey. She is also saying thank you to the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation.