Bay pupils celebrate their heritage
AS the country celebrates Heritage Month, eight Port Elizabeth schools attended an Education Department heritage exhibition and seminar at the Red Location Museum in New Brighton yesterday.
Each school had to present their findings within 20 minutes based on the topic they researched. They used music, poetry and narration to present their research.
This year’s theme was “Promoting, preserving and adding value to one’s heritage in the age of hope, phase one”.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) senior lecturer Dr Zoliswa Made, who was the keynote speaker, emphasised the importance of culture, heritage and identity.
“A person’s identity is made up of their own character combined with their family and social roots. Identity, like culture, is ever-changing.
“Heritage is the range of con- temporary activities, meanings and behaviours that we draw from our inherited traditions, monuments, objects and culture,” she said.
Gelvandale High School’s topic was “A history overview of the Moslem community set- tling in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and the five pillars of Islam”.
Cingani and Ncedo High Schools researched the birth and history of Motherwell, while Ethembeni Enrichment Centre researched the history of their school.
Gelvandale High pupil Mpumzi Ndzonda, said he had learnt lot. “It was a whole new experience. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the museum.”
The only primary school to attend, Machui, researched the significance and role the Dower College of Education had played in education. Cowan High researched their school’s rich history while Hoërskool Cillié researched the history of their school – an institution that came full circle.
Ndyebo High researched the Pebco 3 – a legacy of struggle, sacrifice and triumph.
Isaac Metembo of the Port Elizabeth education district office, said phase two would involve 10 schools.
“We believe the pupils are the ambassadors to educate their generation about preserving heritage. We train the teachers in all aspects of heritage.”
The project is sponsored by the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund. All the schools received certificates and plaques for their participation.