Neema Athman Said, Urithi Wetu Research Group
Scholars based at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), among other things, to raise public awareness regarding the protection of globally important heritage sites on the Tanzanian coast. The initiatives are implemented through workshops that bring together government officials, school teachers, and members of the local community to discuss the values of heritage in the region and how to protect them for the benefit of present and future generations.
.Scholars based at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), among other things, to raise public awareness regarding the protection of globally important heritage sites on the Tanzanian coast. The initiatives are implemented through workshops that bring together government officials, school teachers, and members of the local community to discuss the values of heritage in the region and how to protect them for the benefit of present and future generations.
“It is for the first time academics, researchers, local government authorities, school teachers, journalists, and members of the local community come together to deliberate on the type of activities to implement to ensure heritage sustainability,”, says the project leader, Dr Elgidius Ichumbaki. Jointly, the participants got the opportunity to visit the monuments on the Island of Kilwa Kisiwani to witness the remnants of the Swahili civilisations and discuss the challenges that face the monuments, adds Dr Ichumbaki.
Combining classroom and field experience
Narrating about the experience from the workshop and touring the monuments on the Island, participants had the following to say:
“What I have learnt from this three-day workshop and a tour is that the monumental structures of Kilwa Kisiwani are not only remnants to mark our important history but also sources of income if well developed to become a key tourism destination,”, says Mr Charles Simon Mwagala, a teacher at Kilwa Secondary School. On her side, Ms Lilian Moses Mwanganya, a teacher at Mtanga Secondary School, explains that, despite being in Kilwa for over 10 years, she never knew the area had sites of such global importance. Therefore, she is challenging the government to invest in promoting the sites as they can attract many tourists and generate local income. Ms Sheila Mkumba, a journalist from Azam Media Group, echoes Lilian’s views and promises to circulate the news to fellow journalists so that their media covers more issues related to the values of cultural heritage, their preservation and sustainable use.
While officiating the workshop, Mr Kelvin Fella, the Manager of the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara UNESCO World Heritage Site, recommended the joint efforts of UDSM and SFA, stating that the initiative will have a lasting impact because transferring the obtained knowledge to their students, teachers will become ambassadors to the whole community. Mr Fella added that the government welcomes other stakeholders to consider implementing projects which, among others, aim to raise public awareness of the values of heritage sites.
Dr George Kahangwa, a Senior Lecturer in Education Management at UDSM, supports Mr Fella’s call, adding that it is high time researchers collaborate with the communities and other stakeholders to rewrite the monuments’ history. He further highlights that existing books and other publications were written by foreign scientists, the majority of whom neglected ‘local voices’ because colonial viewpoint guided their history writing, hence misrepresenting the African past. “Initiatives such as this supported by SFA are much needed for they will help us rewrite our history, which for a long time, have been misrepresented”, says Dr Kahangwa, who was also one of the workshop facilitators.
Spreading the monuments’ news to schools and the wider community
A temporary exhibition with the theme Our Kilwa Our Pride followed the stakeholders’ workshop. The exhibition was a vibrant celebration of Kilwa’s cultural and historical legacy and brought together an audience of over 700 people including school pupils and teachers, local community members, entrepreneurs and Kilwa visitors. The exhibition started with a workshop whereas the teachers from Kilwa had taken part. Although it was a temporary event, the exhibition was a multifaceted experience and a testimony to the power of heritage in uniting people.
Commenting on the values of displayed exhibitions, Mr Waziri Punga, a teacher at Kivinje Primary School, remarks, “…the exhibition has been one of the creative ways to integrate Kilwa’s history into educational settings. The mounted and presented exhibitions demonstrated innovative approaches to bringing heritage into classrooms. I am happy that I participated in this initiative, which has enlightened my thinking regarding the materials and tools I need to teach my students about Tanzania’s history and its connection with other parts of the world.”
The exhibition warmly welcomed students from the nearby primary and secondary schools in Kilwa. The teachers and pupils/students from various schools—Kilwa Day, Ngome, Kilwa Kisiwani, Ukombozi, Kilwa Masoko, and Mnazi Mmoja—got the opportunity to tour the exhibitions and learn about the region’s history. As one of the teachers re-iterated, this was a unique opportunity for teachers and pupils/students to cultivate their sense of ownership and pride in their history.
Some community members had the opportunity to showcase and perform their traditional music, with songs that reflected Kilwa’s historical significance. Also, local artists, including school pupils, used their artistic talents to draw various images to inform about Kilwa heritage values. A few exhibition visitors also participated in games and sports, adding a playful twist to the event. The music, artistic work, and fun games in the names of magofu—monumental ruins—brought enthusiasm to reckon Kilwa’s heritage and culture. The creative use of music and image illustrations provided an emotional and memorable connection to Kilwa’s vibrant past, demonstrating the role of creative arts in communicating heritage values. As Dr Elgidius Ichumbaki, the project’s principal investigator, says, “…..all the implemented activities—workshop, touring monuments, exhibition and celebration of heritage through music, artistic works and games have not only raised awareness of the local people in Kilwa, they have contributed in building sustainable futures in heritage preservation.”
Why do the monuments of Kilwa matter to SFA?
Why does the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara World Heritage Site matter to SFA, a Pan-Africa public charitable organisation created to support, strengthen, and promote Africa’s science and innovation? Since SFA’s motive for Africa is to develop and execute a pan-continental science, innovation, and development strategy that is more grounded in Africa’s strategic priorities and less dependent on shifting global politics, co-creative initiatives such as the current project are key. Kilwa’s historical and cultural significance is immense. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolises Tanzania’s heritage, a centre of trade, culture, and global connections. From its ancient Swahili coast origins to its enduring stories and traditions, Kilwa is a treasure trove of historical and cultural wealth. Preserving this heritage is essential to keep its legacy alive for future generations.