Learn about the importance of heritage tourism at Maropeng

February 14, 2011 – Laura Maggs

Eight of the world’s official heritage sites, ranked by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee, are located in South Africa. Our country is rich with cultural diversity, potential for growth, and incredible stories to celebrate, remember and teach.

Maropeng has set out to include this sentiment in its educational efforts, encouraging learners to critically engage with the concept of heritage, as well as move towards a better understanding of the role of heritage tourism in South Africa.

Education and marketing executive for Maropeng, Magel van de Venter believes that educating South African learners about heritage is vital, because “to plan for the future, you need to understand the past”.

According to UNESCO, a heritage site is born out of the preservation of cultural and natural heritage deemed to be of “outstanding value to humanity”. The Cradle of Humankind is our place of origin, deeply significant to an understanding of what it means to be human and the ways in which we have developed and been affected by one another and our surroundings. It is one of South Africa’s most prized World Heritage Site attractions, along with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Robben Island, uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Cape Floral Region, Vredefort Dome and Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape – all on a list of 851 official World Heritage sites in 141 countries.

Maropeng and the Cradle of Humankind, with its vast reserves of research and special focus on knowledge-seeking, is an ideal place to experience and appreciate our heritage. Educational resource packs, put together in partnership with the Gauteng and national departments of education, have been carefully compiled to promote an interesting and engaging learning experience. Aimed at Grade 11 and 12 learners, they are available for download on the Maropeng website and explore the concept of heritage and why it is important to study and conserve it.

Using the rich heritage significance of Maropeng as a starting point, the history resource pack, in particular, delves into the importance of understanding our roots, while fostering a respect for the environment we call home. The resource packs include activities, lesson plans and learning outcomes, and go hand in hand with the wealth of educational experiences to be enjoyed at the Maropeng exhibition centre.

So be sure to book your school tour, download the resource packs and embark on a learning experience not to be missed! Phone +27 (0)14 577 9000 or email .to book your school tour.

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