The competition was coordinated and facilitated by the Makane Inter-Cultural Organization (MICO), a charitable organisation that promotes inter-cultural understanding and harmony in the country.
Traditions and ancestral backgrounds were displayed in the hall of Battrop Technical School. The cultural competition was among ethnicities such as the Jola, Wolof, Mandinka, Fula and Manjago with each respectively showcasing the richness in traditions that unites us together as one Gambia.
The competition was given value and prestige by awarding prizes for winners at the end of the event. Judges were selected from different walks of lives to scrutinise and evaluate the competitors impartially.
Mariama Khan, a member of the organising team in her welcome remarks pointed out the importance of our local languages and the value of its preservation.
She said “The competition is about peace, love, unity, education and encouraging each other to uphold the value of integrity, fairness, justice and compassion. The value of integrity, fairness, justice, and compassion are necessary for enhancing community building, a cohesive society and having a prosperous nation,” she added.
She went on to say that a society that does not uphold the values of integrity, will have most of its dealings not prospering.
“We initiated the Arda Jumbo cultural competition in love and kindness as well as to discuss the erosion of ethical values in our society. We acknowledge our human imperfection and see the need to learn and help each other so that we can build, heal and enhance our communities,” she also said.
Ousman J. Bojang, Governor of West Coast Region advised youth not only to value to their traditions but also ensure they are displayed at national level.
He commended organisers for the initiative and assured of his unwavering support with that of the government for the organisation.
