In a strong show of support for the preservation of The Gambia’s cultural heritage, His Excellency President Adama Barrow visited the Jufureh Heritage Village Museum in the North Bank Region. The visit marks a proud moment for HERITΛGE, as the new museum has been made possible with funding from our Small Grants for African Heritage funded by the Mellon Foundation—and our HerMaP Gambia initiative, funded by the European Union.

The Jufureh Heritage Village Museum, developed by the Alamanding Foundation, is a community-driven initiative dedicated to safeguarding traditional knowledge, skills, and stories for future generations. More than a space for preserving artefacts, it serves as a living museum—a place where culture thrives through civic education, environmental awareness, artisan workshops, and storytelling gatherings at Banta Baa, a communal hub for cultural exchange.

At the heart of the project is the construction of a traditional Mandinka homestead, built using local materials and techniques that reflect the authenticity of rural Gambian life. The homestead complements an already completed Fulani compound, together forming a vibrant cultural complex that celebrates the shared heritage of the Mandinka and Fula communities of the Niumi District.

The initiative also supports sustainability and community empowerment. A solar-powered borehole has been installed to provide clean water and electricity to the site, ensuring that the museum operates in an environmentally responsible way. Meanwhile, 12 local stakeholders—including tour guides, museum staff, and tourism officials—have been trained by HERITΛGE in oral history collection, heritage interpretation, and cultural tourism marketing.

These activities are already generating impact. The museum has become a focal point for visitors seeking deeper engagement with Gambian heritage and for locals who see their traditions valued and sustained.

HERITΛGE is proud to have contributed to a project that not only preserves heritage but also creates opportunities, strengthens local identity, and demonstrates the power of community-led action. President Barrow’s visit is a testament to the national importance of such efforts and to the shared vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable future for heritage in The Gambia.

You can now visit the museum and find out more about Jufureh’s heritage. Find out more here.

*HERITΛGE’s Small Grants for Africa Initiative is supported by the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program. This project has also received funding from EU-funded HerMaP Gambia.