World heritage Skills Development Course for Eastern and Central Africa

Mount Kenya, Kenya, 19-23 April 2004

Event

The 4-day program included, besides an official opening, thematic presentations by resource persons from the Kenya National Museums, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenyan National Commission and by the World Heritage Centre. All thematic presentations were accompanied by skills development activities based on the various chapters proposed in the World Heritage in Young Hands Educational Kit for Teachers (WH Convention; WH and Identity; WH and Tourism; WH and Environment; WH and culture of Peace).

Two excursions were made: One to the Mount Kenya World Heritage site, where participants hiked under the guidance of one of the wardens, and also visited the meteorological station. The site manager, Mr. Woodley, gave a presentation on the universal value of the site, and the importance of World heritage listing for its preservation. The other excursion was made to the "William Holden Foundation and Wildlife Education Centre", which continues research in animal reproduction for captive breeding programs and seeks to restore a sustainable wild population within Mount Kenya World Heritage site.

Objectives of the course

1. Promote innovative educational approaches in support of World Heritage conservation in the region
2. Enable the participants to learn more about culture and natural heritage sites of ‘outstanding universal value' in Eastern Africa
3. Develop new skills needed to help conserve heritage sites which are protected by the World Heritage Convention
4. Promote attitudes and long-term commitment to preserving our local heritage for the present and future generations
5. Play an instrumental role in safeguarding the unique cultural and natural diversity in Eastern Africa through co-operation
6. Develop way forward for future World Heritage Education activities in the region.

Outcome

The age range of students was from 11 to 20 years of age and their overall participation was remarkable and their numerous questions testified to an exceptional level of interest. The young participants suggested solutions for many problematic issues in heritage conservation.

Participants

7 teachers and 21 students from Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Organizers

UNESCO Nairobi Office
The Kenyan National Commission for UNESCO