|
A five-day UNESCO workshop ended yesterday 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 included academicians, representatives of ethnic heritage associations, government officers and NGOs. The workshop was 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, aimed 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.
During the programme, the participants brainstormed on collaboration in various ICH projects that were proposed as UNESCO has a 31 March deadline for ICH project proposals. In order for ICH to be truly promoted in Malawi the Malawi ICH committee needs to be revitalized which is amongst others to make recommendations on the proposed projects. For this purpose, possible new committee members were suggested to the Director of Culture. The participants left strenghtened by the skills and opportunities learned and with the new partnerships formed.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
