The new campus is being developed in Kartong on a site that is 2.5 hectares. The campus is loosely split into two spaces: the Junior Department and the Senior Department. Funding is now underway to finalise this amazing campus.
The campus features a total of 12 buildings, each dedicated to a specific educational department. Read on to find out about each of the facilities the new campus will have to offer...
Donate / Partner
Support this pioneering initiative by making a donation. Donors will have their names inscribed into our 'Donors Wall'. Alternatively you can partner with us to support the construction through fundraising and more. If you are interested in partnerships please contact us.
About Us
Junior Department Main Block
The main block to the academy will be a 3-storey building which will accommodate all the academic classrooms for Junior students. The upper floor is reserved for senior student academic classes. Being the main entrance to the Academy, this block is important and we are innovating a building which brings modern architecture infused with an African aesthetic. This has the powerful affect of instilling the sense that African culture is modern and progressive as opposed to common themes of the stagnant, old and “primitive” models.
Music Department Block
The Music block will offer a uniquely professional approach to the learning of traditional African instruments and dance. As well as offering core studies in Kora, Balafon, Guitar, Drums, Singing and Xalam we will also be able to offer lessons/workshops on instruments from other parts of the continent. International students will also study music courses in this department.
This department will also feature the country's first dedicated professional dance facilities, with the aim of cultivating a more serious approach to the study of dance in the country.
Drama and Film Department Block
This department brings two key areas to the Academy: film and drama. Having its own block, this department delivers a large range of courses, as well as being one of the Academy’s focal points for challenging mentality and social norms, and for demonstrating the necessity for the African perspective to be told by the African.
Art Department Block
This is a creative space, encouraging freedom of thought and expression. The History Of Art course delivers an understanding of Africa’s contribution to art globally alongside the study of art from all over the world. Artists are often amongst those at the forefront of social change, so this department provides an environment which gives a clear voice to those who wish to push the boundaries of innovation in ways which will benefit society whilst also developing their own personal artistic achievements and portfolio.
Training Centre
This facility will provide courses to local community groups and individuals who need to develop viable trade skills as well as providing mandatory courses to the older Junior students.
The provision of mandatory skills training for our students will enable them to have the choice of applying to enter the job market directly upon completion of their studies which contrasts the situation for many students in the country who, after completing over a decade of education, still fail to obtain employment.
Concert Hall
This structure will be The Gambia’s first
dedicated acoustic concert hall. Currently the country has a stadium for large outdoor events, and smaller halls belonging to hotels which can be converted to host musical events. However there is no dedicated space in the country to showcase the incredible range of acoustic music the country has to offer.
This high end performance hall will compel the standards of national performers to grow and compete at an international level.
Library
This Library addresses the uncomfortable fact that some of the most extensive collections of African literature and resources are held outside of the continent, which limits the resources that Africans have access to in relation to their own cultures. The facility therefore focuses on the repatriation of African cultural property in the form of books, artefacts or audio-visual materials from around the world back to the continent. This facility will embody the value of the preservation of African culture, history and artefacts.
Recording Studio
This is aimed at being the first high-quality recording studio in the county. In addition to providing a service for musicians to record, the studio will be a valuable training facility for students of the Academy. This studio will serve as a huge boost to the country's music industry, encouraging artists to produce a high quality music from within the country rather than seeking to partner with overseas institutions in order to raise standards.
About Us
Volunteer - Campus Development
If you think you can offer your skills or expertise in the development of this campus, whether its in construction, being an advisor or donating materials we would love to hear from you. Please contact us to let us know how you can contribute
Volunteer - Curriculum Development
We are calling on people from all over the world to come forward and help by contributing to the development of the educational resource kit which will enable us to expand our teaching approach and curriculum content to cater for up to 300 students. Whether you might contribute a lesson plan, a course overview, or books/resources, these are all much needed in order to bring this project to realisation.
Donate / Fundraise
Of course, we need funds in order to bring this amazing new campus to life. We are off to a strong start, with UNICEF coming on board to give funding for the development of our first phase of construction. However we need to keep the ball rolling and in order to do this we need your support with donating funds, supplies or setting up funding appeals in your community. Every small contribution join together to make a huge difference.