Hallo!
Wir hoffen doch, es geht euch allen gut und ihr hattet einen wunderbaren Sommer! In der Zwischenzeit waren wir fleißig und haben versucht, “Mama Africa” noch schicker und interessanter zu gestalten. Inzwischen werden wir als “best Location” im Lande gehandelt – sagen zumindest die Tourismus Verantwortlichen. Wer sich davon überzeugen möchte, ist herzlich eingeladen! Neben den bekannten Fliegern:
http://travelpoort.nl/Gambia/Banjul/Vliegticket_Gambia_Seat_only.html?productgroup=ALGV (ab Amsterdam) und
http://www.brusselsairlines.com/com/ (ab Brüssel, FRA oder anderen Airports)
gibt es neue Verbindungen, bzw. Condor fliegt wieder ab November:
http://www.corendon.nl/vakanties/gambia (ab Amsterdam)
http://www.condor.com/ibe/cfi/de/offersLong/flightOffersListView.xhtml;jsessionid=0DF7B499B6B99E2A1579CB63676E04AE.ibe02 (ab Frankfurt)
diese beiden Flüge und Travelpoort kosten ab 500 Euro, Brussels Airlines ist teurer, aber komfortabler und flexibler.
Die “Regenzeit” ist in Gambia jetzt vorbei. Wir erwarten für die nächsten acht Monate 25-30 Grad, leicht bewölkt mit leichter Brise. Abends kann es abkühlen, wir sind nur fünf Minuten vom Meer entfernt. Inzwischen hat Mutter Natur – und der Regen – dafür gesorgt, dass unser “Dschungel” mit wunderbaren Pflanzen, Blüten, Früchten und interessanten Vögeln herrlich gewachsen ist. Wer möchte, kann sich einfach nur erholen oder auch ein wenig Afrika erfahren. Wohnen kann man in unseren komfortablen und künstlerisch gestalteten Häusern – siehe Anhang! Noch Fragen? Bitte stellen!
Bitte diese Infos fleißig an Freunde, Bekannte und Partner weiter mailen! Danke!

All the Best from the West!

Isha und Bernd
“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)

www.mama-africa-gambia.org

info@mama-africa-gambia.org
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

Flyer_Art_Residence

Flyer_Art_Residence_A4

The new Art Residence “Musu Kunda” (“Home of the Women” – men are, of course, welcomed too). Guests are calling this place already our “small paradise”:

Flyer_Art_Residence_A4

Flyer_Art_Residence

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)www.mama-africa-gambia.orginfo@mama-africa-gambia.org
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

Hallo!

Schaut mal rein!
http://www.presseanzeiger.de/meldungen/urlaub-reise/560555.php
All the Best from the West!

Bernd

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.mama-africa-gambia.org
info@mama-africa-gambia.org
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

 The new internet homepage of “Mama Africa”!

 

www.mama-africa-gambia.org

 

 

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.mama-africa-gambia.org
info@mama-africa-gambia.org
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

Dear Friends!

On Friday, Jan. 6th., the CNN show “Inside Africa” will include my interview. Inside Africa is a weekly, half-hour, feature program that gives global viewers an insight into the diverse cultural trends and personalities that help define Africa beyond the traditional headlines.

Showtimes (all times GMT)
Friday: 17.30
Saturday: 11.30, 18.30
Sunday: 04.30, 15.30
Monday: 05.30
Wednesday: 08.30
The interview took place in Washington DC during my visit to the USA in Sep./Oct. whiles being a part of the AWEP – African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program: This multi-regional project showcases women’s entrepreneurial advancement in the U.S., provides a firsthand observation of successful business practices, and introduces advocacy and networking models.  The women were visiting private companies, business incubators, financial institutions, schools and mentoring programs.  The project is designed for participants to develop practical business knowledge, leadership skills and the ability to forge lasting networks.  AWEP seeks to equip the women with tools and opportunities for them to accelerate the growth of their businesses, become leaders in their communities, and drive further social and economic progress in their nations.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier
professional exchange program.  Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.  These visits reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. You will be joined on the program by a cohort of professional colleagues from all around the world.
 
Please forward this information to friends …!
All the Best from the West!

Isha and Bernd

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.mama-africa-gambia.org
info@mama-africa-gambia.org
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

Dear All,
this just came through from DC: Isha’s feedback about her experience at Secretary Clinton’s 2011  African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., on October 3, 2011:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SbhmIjrNSo
 
Please, also note Secretary Clinton’s remarks to the women. – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GbiFRZJdug
 
All the Best from the West!

Bernd

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

Hallo!!!

Enjoy the webcard with a song from Mama Africa Cultural Group:

Hier gibt es eine nette WebCard mit Musik von der Mama Africa Cultural Group:
http://www.gambiaswissfriends.ch/freecards/index.php?act=do_pickup&id=51ed908ce3

All the Best from the West!

Bernd

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22
Skype: berndax1

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP): “African Women Entrepreneurs Program (AWEP): The U.S. Economic System and Business Development”

September 19 – October 7, 2011

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, my friends,

I’m pleased to inform all of you that I’m invited from the US Department of State to join a premier exchange program for African women. Everyone should be assured that I’m proud and honoured to represent The Gambia.
“This multi-regional project will showcase women’s entrepreneurial advancement in the U.S., provide a firsthand observation of successful business practices, and introduce advocacy and networking models.  The women will visit private companies, business incubators, financial institutions, schools and mentoring programs.  The project is designed for participants to develop practical business knowledge, leadership skills and the ability to forge lasting networks.  AWEP seeks to equip the women with tools and opportunities for them to accelerate the growth of their businesses, become leaders in their communities, and drive further social and economic progress in their nations.
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.  Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.  These visits reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. You will be joined on the program by a cohort of professional colleagues from all around the world”.
All the Best from the West!

Isha Fofana

“Mama Africa”
women’s museum & art centre
Isha Fofana / Bernd Ax
Batokunku / The Gambia
Phone: 00220 7450 730 (Isha)
Phone: 00220 7333 780 (Bernd)
www.womeninmuseum.net/blog/?cat=22

“Girls in Art”

Project at “Mama Africa” starts successful

Sponsored by ROC Taiwan Embassy

Empowerment of women is one main key for a peaceful and fair society. To reach this aim, there must be solution for women and girls to get an income of their own. Art is an appropriate and sustainable way to earn money by producing batiks, paintings, clay works, dolls, fashion, jewelleries, decoration, etc.

Since more than one month now “Mama Africa” runs a first class for female trainees in collaboration with the Upper Basic School in Tujering. Other cooperation’s with schools and communities from Tanji till Sanyang (or any other region) are desirable. The course held at “Mama Africa” has a period of three months, once a week. It takes a full day and 20 students are participating. Other durations and modalities can be arranged. Head coach is Isha Fofana, artist and proprietor of “Mama Africa”, together with Gambian experts.

The first course is sponsored by the ROC / Taiwan Embassy. On a private visit the ambassador, H.E. Richard Sigh, has met the girls. They have been very appreciative for the favour his country is doing towards the country and especially towards them. The ambassador called on the girls to make a good use of the chance working together with an international renowned artist like Isha Fofana. The girls mentioned on the short meeting that Isha Fofana has already awakened them and given them a lot of inspiration for their own future. Miriam Sanna and other said that now she decided to “help my country”. Other mentioned they want to “remain the culture”, “love to learn things for their tomorrow” and all showed their appreciation to the great effort Isha Fofana has done for The Gambia and already for their own future. Many more young women already like to join the project.

http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/taiwan-embassy-mama-africa-museum-train-female-students

Girls in Art- Observer

The main target of the non-profit association “Mama Africa” is the promotion of art and culture in the The Gambia, the education in art, support abilities of people and professional in the field of arts, get-together between visitors and people of The Gambia and the development of the country in general. The aims and objectives come true particularly through:

- Encouragement and development of art and culture in The Gambia

- Art courses and others cultural activities under special consideration of underprivileged girls and women in The Gambia at Mama Africa, in schools or other institutions.

- Support of artistic and cultural projects according to the “help to the self-help”

- Support of the tolerance in all fields of the culture and the art.

- Information of the visitors about the life situation of underprivileged children and women in The Gambia and the role art can play.

- Aids to the overcoming of psychological conflicts by an art therapy.

- Running and improving the “Mama Africa – women’s museum and art centre” in Batokunku

The key purpose of the work of Mama Africa is the promotion of less privileged girls and women in The Gambia: Their social competences and first of all to work on their own talents in the production of art objects like batik, painting, clay etc. The aim is to secure an income of one’s own, self consciousness and independent life for themselves.

(The photo shows the group together with Isha Fofana and guests from Taiwan presenting their first batiks.)

„Mama Africa“ goes worldwide

“Reuters” is producing a story about Isha Fofana and her art centre in The Gambia

These days a TV crew of the international news agency “Reuters” has produced a documentary about Isha Fofana and her “Mama Africa – women’s museum and art centre” in Batokunku. “Reuters” is one of the biggest news agencies around the world delivering latest news and background stories to TV station, radio stations and newspapers around the world. The film about the Gambian renowned artist will be covered inside the “African Journal” and will come out to the subscribers of “Reuters” in two weeks. It is produced for the African head office in Nairobi / Kenya by the German film director, Bernd Ax.

The head producers in Nairobi has heard from different sources about Isha Fofana and her project of a women’ museum and art centre in Batokunku / The Gambia. They have decided to cover this feature as a story of a successful artist in Europe coming back home to participate in the development of her country. Almost four days the team was filming at different location in The Gambia, mainly at her magnificent place in Batokunku. Other shots were done in the village it self and the beach as well as at the “Ngala Lodge”, Atlantic road in Bakau. Isha Fofana is right at the moment exhibiting some of her artworks at this place, one of Gambia’s best and creative hotels and restaurants.

The guests of “Ngala Lodge” being interview expressed all their appreciation of having such an artist at this kind of international level in the country. And they like to see more of her works at the art centre in Batokunku. The manager of “Ngala Lodge”, Wilma Schulte-Vries, said that she is really proud to exhibit artworks from Isha Fofana and she knows that it isn’t easy to stand firm and being successful as a female artist in such a male dominated society. And she definitely likes her paintings because they are matching wonderful to the design and art concept of the hotel – and the guest like her artworks very much too.

The main shooting took part at the women’s museum and art centre in Batokunku. Here too the visitors showed all their respect to the great work Isha Fofana has done to build up the place in just six month. After the official opening in February 2010 she is still improving the place as a unique location for art and culture – not just in The Gambia, but all over West Africa. Some guests being present have tried to express their feelings seeing the museum and the art, but the place left them speechless. Especially the mixture in-between her modern art and many traditional old exhibits has touched the visitors being around during the filming.

The film will show also a workshop Isha Fofana is doing to train young girls some skills like batik and to give them some creative ideas to produce different works. The workshops should train the girls to get at the end an income of their own.

During the last shooting she was painting a new artwork and expressing all her feelings and hopes and expectations to the film crew – and they recorded it on tape. Her deepest feeling – like she has told during the interview – is her hope that the African culture will not fade out and that she will fight for it till the end of her life.

The main target of the non-profit association “Mama Africa” is the promotion of art and culture in the The Gambia, the education in art, support abilities of people and professional in the field of arts, get-together between visitors and people of The Gambia and the development of the country in general. The aims and objectives come true particularly through:

- Encouragement and development of art and culture in The Gambia

- Art courses and others cultural activities under special consideration of underprivileged girls and women in The Gambia at MAAC, in schools or other institutions.

- Support of artistic and cultural projects according to the “help to the self-help”

- Support of the tolerance in all fields of the culture and the art.

- Information of the visitors about the life situation of underprivileged children and women in The Gambia and the role art can play.

- Aids to the overcoming of psychological conflicts by an artistic therapy.

- Running and improving the “Mama Africa – women’s museum and art centre” in Batokunku

The key purpose of the work of Mama Africa is the promotion of less privileged girls and women in The Gambia: Their social competences and first of all to work on their own talents in the production of art objects like batik, painting, clay etc. The aim is to secure an income of one’s own, self consciousness and independent life for themselves.

Photo: Isha Fofana is explaining her work to the film crew