Friday last, Peñcum Taakusaan, a literacy club, in collaboration with the Writers’ Association of the Gambia (WAG) held an event geared towards promoting literary culture in The Gambia at the Alliance Francaise.
The event, the second of its kind, is a monthly gathering in which the works of Gambian authors and writers are discussed with the public in order to create awareness and through it, perhaps pique the interest of the public in reading Gambian literature.
The first event was held a month ago at the Paradise Suites Hotel and it examined the works of Mr Baaba Sillah who was available to answer questions from a cross section of literary enthusiasts in the Gambia.
It afforded participants the opportunity to put questions directly to the author.
Last Friday’s event featured Mr Demba Ali Jawo’s book entitled ‘A Date With Destiny’ which serves as his autobiography and his memoir.
The event attracted many literary enthusiasts who interacted with the author on the themes raised in his book.
This initiative, a monthly event, is solely geared towards raising the interest of Gambians in reading and writing.
Considering the importance of literature in the area of national development, initiatives of this nature are very important and necessary to improve the literary culture in the country.
Another reason such an initiative is necessary and timely is the calamitous decline observable in the performance of Gambian students in both internal and external examinations particularly in English Language.
It is hoped that with an increased readership, chances are that it will impact positively on students’ performance in examinations and ultimately contribute to national development.
Friday’s event also featured the leaders of the Gam Africa Institute for Leadership (GAIL) who spoke to the audience about their institute’s aims and objectives.
This gave a new perspective to the Peñcum Taakusaan.
