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A five-day UNESCO workshop started today in Lilongwe, entitled Strengthening National Capabilities for Implementing the Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Some twenty people, active in the heritage field, were invited to participate to receive training on the working and implementation of the 2003 UNESCO convention. The participants include academicians, representatives of ethnic heritage associations and NGOs. The workshop is facilitated by Zimbabwean expert Stephen Chifunyise, assisted by acting director of Museums of Malawi Lovemore Mazibuko and UNESCO National Commission Assistant Executive Secretary Christopher Magomelo.
The workshop, which was opened by Director for Culture Dr. Elizabeth Gomani-Chindebvu, aims to build capacity and awareness among all stakeholders regarding the aims and implementation of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The Director stressed the participants might be engaged in conducting inventories, such as has been done among Lhomwe communities already. The ultimate aim is to preserve aspects of Malawi's heritage such as beliefs, stories, medicine, dances and ritual practices. Some elements will eventually be submitted for inclusion on the UNESCO ICH representative list.
The programme includes amongst others translation of the convention into Chichewa, components of ICH, conducting community-based inventories, and safeguarding measures.
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