The
much publicised book of Famara Fofana titled ‘’When My Village Was My Village’’
was officially launched on Friday with massive patronage from those who
attended the ceremony held at The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute
(GTHI).
The
author of the 44-page book seeks to depict the traditional Gambian heritage and
values by recounting his story in a way that compels all to appreciate their
rustic and bucolic life.
The
chief launcher of the book, Nana Grey-Johnson, Dean of School of Journalism and
Digital Media, University of The Gambia, said he was impressed by the author’s
courage and determination to have a voice that seeks to carve a brilliant
tomorrow one bends on setting its rhythm on the values of yesterday.
‘’A
voice is what I read of the permanence of tradition; the voice is young and it
is not afraid to try, a voice that will carve a brilliant tomorrow because it
has its rhythm set on the values of yesterday,’’ Mr Grey-Johnson said.
Bisenty
Gomez, the reviewer of the book, said the 44-page work depicts the values of
Gambian rural life and reminds the readers of the need and importance to
harness and value one’s traditional culture in their villages.
According
to the reviewer, the book contains 7 chapters which are all developed around
real rural life situations and how to get Gambian villages back to what they
used to be, hence from where the title of the book is coined: ‘When my village
was my village’.
The
reviewer of the 44-page book said he was impressed by the author’s deployment
of narratives and analyses of past events and occurrences to define the future,
adding that he was amazed at how he also through the book reminded all Gambians
of their diverse villages.
GRTS
Director General Momodou Sabally, in his remarks, said he was glad to witness
the book launch by his colleague, which will go a long way to developing the
cultural documentation of Gambian traditions and values for posterity.
Mr
Sabally praised the author, saying his work ethic and hard work is worthy of
emulation.
He
launched a challenge urging young Gambians to develop the culture of reading
and writing their own literary works.
For
his part, Famara Fofana, the author and an editor at the state TV GRTS, said he
was grateful to God, his family, colleagues, sponsors and all Gambians for the
love and solidarity they showed towards his maiden book launch.
Mr
Fofana described himself as a proud rural Gambian village born, which inspired
him to pen down the story typical of rural Gambian setting.
There
is bright future and optimism in the Gambian literature with the maiden book
launch of the GRTS editor, as he is already looking forward to the publication
of his second book titled ’’Reflections of An African Village Boy’’.
Among
the crème de la crème who graced the occasion were the Minister of Youths,
Alieu K. Jammeh, Information Minister Sheriff Bojang, student colleagues and
co-workers of Famara as well as his family members and friends.
