Heritage-based curriculum preserves culture, identity

IN today’s digital age, the use of science and technology in our education has become increasingly critical. While there are several benefits that arise from incorporating technology into the classroom, one area that was not being given equal emphasis is our heritage.

It is essential that our education system evolves to meet the needs of our diverse and ever-changing world.

One way to achieve this is through implementation of the 21st century heritage-based curriculum. This is an educational approach that integrates culture and heritage into the teaching and learning process.

This updated curriculum, which is innovation-led and heritage-based, is in line with the Education 5.0 model.

Zimbabwean learners must view themselves through their own indigenous lenses, instead of foreign standpoints.

The competence-based curriculum of 2015-2022 emphasised on the development of skills and attitudes necessary in the learning process.

It is important for learners to have a clear understanding of the heritage-based curriculum 2024-2030.

This curriculum seeks to provide learners with a deeper understanding of their own cultural background and heritage while providing a well-rounded education.

It seeks to foster a sense of pride, identity and appreciation of our roots.

By incorporating heritage education, schools can help create a more inclusive, empathetic and tolerant society, where learners from cross-cultural backgrounds can co-exist and thrive. This is crucial in a globalised world, where individuals from all walks of life interact and collaborate.

Every successful civilisation values its identity and culture.

By teaching traditional practices, customs, languages and art forms, the new curriculum helps prevent the erosion of invaluable cultural knowledge and traditions that make us a unique civilisation.

A heritage-based curriculum preserves and transmits cultural heritage to future generations. Thais ensures continuity and sustainability of the cultural heritage in the face of dynamic times.

Children’s self-esteem and self-worth can be enhanced as they see their cultural heritage being valued and integrated into the current educational context.

This empowerment leads to increased engagement, motivation and academic achievement.

Inquiry-based learning provides a framework for learners to investigate issues, develop hypotheses, design experiments and analyse data to arrive at evidenced-based conclusions.

By integrating heritage into inquiry-based learning, schoolchildren can investigate scientific phenomena within the context of their own cultural heritage, making the learning experience more authentic and meaningful.

Collaboration with community members and cultural experts cements ties between the school and the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for education. Learners must embrace the 21st heritage-based curriculum as it is thoughtfully designed for their betterment. ◆ Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and Geography teacher at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. He writes in his personal capacity. Contact details: 0774122288, E-mail: manyeruke4@gmail.com