CCFU’s Heritage Education Programme will this year be introduced to 10 schools in Nwoya, 8 in Gulu and 14 in Buliisa, increasing Buliisa’s number to 20 schools.
Between the 8th to the 12th of January 2023, CCFU held inception meetings with key stakeholders in the above districts to introduce the programme. Stakeholders included local government authorities, heads of primary and secondary schools and cultural leaders.
The meetings aimed to introduce the programme, trigger the interest of stakeholders in Heritage Education and ascertain the current status of music dance and drama activities in the school.
The District Chairperson of Nwoya District, Mr. Patrick Okello noted that heritage education has faded in schools due to the influence of modernity and the need by schools to concentrate on academics. Mr. Okello added that introducing the programme in schools will revive the spirit and love for our heritage and reconnect young people with it.
According to Mr. Olweny Paul, the Deputy Headteacher of Pope Paul IV, music dance and drama have “died” especially in secondary schools due to the lack of knowledge by teachers and the necessary materials such as instruments, costumes, transport facilitation and meals for participants during national competitions.
CCFU’s intervention
According to Mr. Simon Musasizi, the Heritage Trust Manager, “CCFU’s Heritage Education will Prorgamme facilitate skills enhancement and knowledge transfer through training teachers and young people on different aspects of culture and promoting competitions in music dance and drama.
Furthermore, young people who will emerge as winners of the competition will be equipped with music instruments and costumes. They will also be supported to participate in the National Music, Dance and Drama competitions.
This work is supported by Total Energies EP Uganda and Bread for the World.