By Alieu Khan

Gambians from Akalla to Solna, Hjulsta to Kungsträdgården, Hässelbystrand to Skarpnäck, Norsborg to Ropsten and all over Stockholm are warming up for another Cultural Week. For this year it is starting on the 20^th June and ends on the 27^th June. Journalist Alieu Khan caught up with the Acting Chairperson of the Organisation of Gambians in Stockholm (OGIS) for an exclusive interview. Her name is Oumie Njai and she is one of the successful young Gambian women in Sweden. She holds a Master’s Degree in Science and has obtained few post graduate certificates and diplomas in different fields.

In this interview she tells us little about herself and the preparations towards the Cultural Week;

Gainako: Can u tell us briefly who Oumie Njai is?

Oumie Njai: Oumie Njai is a 28 year old girl who was born and raised in Stockholm by Gambian parents. I went to school in Stockholm. Studied at the Stockholm University where I recently graduated with a master’s degree. One thing I can tell you is that I am deeply interested in education. I felt it is something we should all give a try.

How have you been identified to the position of acting chairperson?

Well, I have known Ismaila Ceesay, the chairperson, for many years and when he got the opportunity to lead OGIS he invited me on board. I am his assistance and now that he is away in the UK studying, I have to step into his position.

Have you been elected to the position of Vice Chairperson?

I was first asked to join OGIS as an executive member and after the first meeting I was voted by everyone present to be the Vice Chairperson and also the Secretary.

How does it feel to be holding such positions and serving your country folks?

It's a privilege! There is so much the Gambian community can offer to the Swedish society and I am honoured to be involved with OGIS. We have a rich and diverse culture that we can use to advertise our country to prospectus tourists. However, I feel it is also a huge task to represent the Gambian community but it’s no turning back for me.

Now let us come to the Gambian Cultural Week. Is everything set?

Yes, we have sent out a press release today and also the information brochures for the Cultural Week have gone to press. We are hoping to have one of the most interesting weeks in history.

Are you sure it is going to be interesting?

This year we have tried to include every age group and we are organising things that have never been done in the past. The feed back we are receiving so far clearly indicates that the The Gambian community will definitely enjoy what we going to present to them.

Where did you get the money, because I know not many Gambians are paying their membership fees?

That's right and it is one of our biggest problems. It is important for the people to know that the money goes directly back to the community for the benefit of all. Luckily, there are some philanthropists who believe in our potentials and ready to put their money in some of our activities. We had received donations from St. Mary’s Money Link, Buba Badjie, Mango Travel and many more. On behalf of my executive I would like to thank them all.

So you got nothing from the Swedish State?

We did apply for funds this year but did not recieve anything. However OGIS consists of a group very dynamic and creative people who put their time and effort into the task we perform. We are very united and care for each other and we’ve all pulled our personal strings and brought what we can to the table to try to make this cultural week a succesfull one. It’s very important for me to accknowledge every one in the OGIS executive committe and to show my appreciation.

So this year you have no guest musician from Senegal?

No, I think it’s something that the executives before us have always had as a standard. The Gambian cultural week should not be only about Senegalese artists or music. Some people might not enjoy a full concert with a single artist so this year we are trying to bring a variety of music from different corners of the Gambia. We have for example two of our local musicians playing, Mo Hawk and Ali Mike Suso.

Don’t you think the absence of a major Senegalese musician can keep many people away?

No, in the contrary I think it’s a good thing this time. We get the chance to reach a broader public because we can offer a wider range of music to the people.

Seemingly you people got lot on your plate. I hope you wouldn’t end up biting more than what you can’t swallow?

As I mentioned earlier OGIS consist of people who are dynamic. We have set up a program that we are sure will accomplish. The secret is that we are organised and always prepared to bring our expertise forward. I am currently on my last term studying international project management and all of it really comes in use when planning and leading.

Recently I wrote an article about the continuing disunity and mistrust among some Gambian-Swedish communities. What is your take on that?

Well, I try to look at everything from a positive angle. I have not read your article but I have heard about it. What I can tell you is that Gambians, like all other nationalities cherish unity and trust. To get the whole Gambian community united is a process that will take time and can’t happen overnight.

 Don’t you think the need for unity and trust among Gambians can be a thought provoking and stimulating topic of discussion at the cultural week?

I definitely think it is worth highlighting. What I personally want the Gambian society in Stockholm to know is that in order to trust someone else you have to trust yourself first. Everything should start within you before extending a helping hand to others. Let us seek knowledge and educate ourselves.  This year we have a lunch on sale with a women forum where we intend to discuss highly relevant topics.

Considering the large number of Gambians in Sweden, don’t you think we need a Gambian Embassy in Stockholm?

It would be great if we could have one. With OGIS I am sure we can achieve alot but once again it comes down to the issue that we work together and want to make it a priority.  

Any final words to the Gambians in Stockholm

We have a beautiful culture and have the opportunity to share it with the Swedes. History tells us that united we stand, divided we fall. Let’s put our faith in the youths because they are the future of the Gambian society in Stockholm. We need to encourage them to utilise the chances they have here and to know that one must go the long way to achieve something sustainable. Gambians should also support OGIS by paying their membership fees. Let’s join hands and put differences aside and be proud of our heritage and also welcome the endless possibilities we have in our new country, old and young. You always have a choice and it is up to you to make it!