Isha Fofana, renowned Gambian female artist and proprietor of Mama Africa Art Gallery and Women’s Museum located in Batokunku, Kombo South, has registeredappreciation and congratulations to the Gambian leader for being re-elected into the Office of Presidency by the Gambian people.

“I am extremely happy and touched by the wise decision made by the Gambian people in re-electing President Jammeh to serve another term in office, so as to enable him achieve his development objectives for the country and its people. He is a great supporter for the empowerment of women and of the art and culture industry of the country. He is a great leader for the nation and personally, I have met him several times; he always encourages me to continue my artistic and social works”, Isha explained in a chat with the Arts & Culture desk, before she spoke extensively about her recent trip to the USA and the opportunity accorded to visit the White House among others.

Madam Fofana’s trip to the USA was through the International Visitors Leadership Programme of the US government through the Department of State, which also includes an extensive three weeks’ course called “African Women's Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP)”.

The trip accorded her the opportunity to meet and share ideals and experiences with top US personalities in politics, economics and academic world; such as Hillary Clinton,the US Secretary of State, counterparts from Africa and other continents across the globe, an exclusive interview held with the CNN among others. According to her, the said CNN interview was broadcast for three days on a TV show called “Inside Africa”.

The African Women's Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP) introduces the political, economic and social factors that influence and encourage the development of private enterprise in the U.S. The programme covered 42 different African countries, which commenced in the state of Chicago through Illinois with a view to expose the participants to the system of the USA federalism and the importance of US Africa relationship.

The AWEP participants also held an informal engagement with different sectors of American society covering programmes through field visits to some of the key institutions and organizations such as hospitals, home centers among others, which enabled them learn about history, arts and the diversity of the American culture.

Further speaking about the USA trip, Isha recalled it as very interesting with life long impression on her mind, because she was exposed to different things in life, especially amazing stories relating to business ladies who started with 500 Dollar investments that turned to become million dollar investments. She also recalled visits made to museums, homes, business centres among other sectors within the US. She expressed appreciation to the US Embassy in Banjul, under the leadership of Pemila Ann White for selecting and supporting her participation to the programme, which gave her the opportunity to stand on the Gambian platform and raise the country’s flag to the globe.

She further disclosed to the Arts & Culture events taking place at her Mama Africa Art Gallery and Women Moseum. She pointed out the current programme covering skills training of Gambian girls, especially those from Batokunku and its satellite villages on different artistic works; such as batiks, tie an dye among others, beside her involvement in the Kanilai International Cultural Festival, of which she is a committee member.