The National Council for Cultural and Historical Preservation will:

Serve as the central authority for researching, recording, preserving, and promoting Gambian history, culture, and national heritage. For the first time in our nation’s history, we will have an official, modern institution dedicated to documenting our collective memory, our triumphs, our struggles, our traditions, our turning points, and the stories that define us.

Core Mandate of the Council

1. Document and Preserve National Events
   
   • The council will collect, archive, and verify major national events, political milestones, social movements, natural occurrences, and key cultural transformations.
   • This documentation will be done using internationally recognized archival methods, ensuring that all materials are properly stored, cataloged, and accessible for generations to come.
   • Oral histories, eyewitness accounts, and traditional storytelling will be incorporated alongside academic research to provide a full and inclusive national narrative.
     
     
2. Develop Official History Books and Learning Materials
   
   • The council will compile and publish standardized history books for schools, libraries, and research institutions.
   • These materials will be based on comprehensive research and verified facts, ensuring that every Gambian child learns an accurate and complete account of their heritage.
   • New Gambian history curricula will be introduced in schools, strengthening national identity and creating pride in our shared story.
     
     
3. Modern, International-Standard Operations
   
   • The council will be designed to meet the highest global standards of cultural preservation, similar to national archives and history boards around the world.
   • It will be staffed by reputable scholars, historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, archivists, researchers, and cultural experts.
   • All finished works will undergo strict peer-review processes to ensure accuracy, reliability, and academic integrity.
     
     
4. Oversight of Museums and Cultural Centers
   
   • The council will manage museums, national archives, cultural centers, heritage parks, and historical sites across the country.
   • These institutions will be upgraded to serve as centers of learning, tourism, and cultural exchange.
   • The council will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Tourism to develop cultural tourism strategies that generate revenue and elevate The Gambia’s international reputation.
     
     
5. Promotion of Cultural Revival and National Identity
   
   • The council will spearhead initiatives to preserve traditional music, dance, crafts, languages, architecture, and folklore.
   • Partnerships will be built with schools and universities to encourage cultural research, artistic development, and creative expression.
   • Nationwide awareness programs will emphasize the value of cultural preservation as a tool for unity and nation-building.
     
     
6. Government Funded and Nationally Led Institution
   
   • The council will be fully funded by the state to guarantee independence, continuity, and stability.
   • It will operate under the supervision of the newly established Directorate of National History, ensuring accountability and long-term vision.

Funding will also support grant programs for researchers, archivists, and cultural innovators.