After months of gruelling competition from district, provincial to national level Lekgulo Secondary School from Free State province took first place position at the 2023 Heritage Education School Outreach Programme (HESOP) camp held by the National Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Basic Education at SANPARK’s Golden Gates Highlands National Park in Free State.
The weeklong camp saw the 32 learners from the eight participating schools working tirelessly hard in preparing for their presentations on the research work. In addition to the research topic that the teams had to conduct prior to the camp, they were further given an impromptu topic following the tour at the Basotho Cultural Village. The students learned about the history, traditions and culture of the Basotho people and experienced their authentic hospitality and entertainment.
Kimberley Technical School from Northern Cape, took second place. Third place went to J.M. Ntsime Secondary School of North West and the Jim Chavani School claiming fourth place. All participants titled as Heritage Ambassadors each received certificates with medals courtesy of the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Winners of the 1st place received laptops and 2nd place received tablets whilst the 3rd and 4th place winners received smartphones.
Dr Thabo Manetsi, Executive Core Business at the NHC, said “HESOP seeks to engender a cultural of deep understanding, appreciation and education about the importance of heritage for the benefit of the current and future generations. Congratulations to each and every participant of this programme. You’re all winners for your selflessness, dedication and commitment throughout. As the born-frees, it is in your hands to utilise the knowledge you have acquired from this programme about our cultural heritage and place heritage as a strategic resource in your communities through the available digital platforms.”
For the past 14 years, the National Heritage Council has been spearheading this programme with the aim of inculcating the culture of self-appreciation and national identity.
“Indeed Heritage is a shared resource. Here we are as entities in the public service together utilising Heritage as a strategic resource to build the future generation of this country. Thank you once again SANParks, South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). As an entity alone, we wouldn’t do this without your support and contribution towards this education outreach programme,” Added Dr Manetsi.
Educators from the participating provinces were also awarded with acknowledgement certficates for their commitment and dedication to heritage education.
“Knowledge about heritage in their communities during presentations, mostly research, presentation and time management skills as well as team work are some of the skills set to prepare the young people part of this programme as future leaders,” concluded Dr Manetsi.
