By Lucky Patrick
A section of cultural promoters in Tooro region, have asked the government to compulsorily integrate oral cultural education in the secondary school curriculum, to enable learners embrace African culture and values.
The culture promoters, argue that the failure of integrating the learning of indigenous languages, rituals and values of the African culture puts the rich culture at stake of erosion at the expense of modernity.
Various secondary schools in Tooro region participated in the essay writing competition on “oral tradition and intangible cultural heritage competition” organized by Kogeere foundation Uganda.
On this function, Mrs. Alice Basemera the executive director, said many learners in secondary schools are interested in learning about African values and culture, but the secondary curriculum does not accommodate space for traditional lessons on the curriculum.
Master Lawrence kalenzi and his group dancing to obunyamahunde- A Rutooro cultural song
“There is nothing as important as the African values and morals we believe in, however with modernity things have changed. My appeal to the government is that they integrate the African culture lessons in secondary schools to help our young people understand their African culture ” Basemera revealed.
Basemera, who is currently on a culture restoration campaign in Tooro kingdom, is optimistic that ,with the introduction of “Cultural Heritage Clubs” in secondary schools under Kogeere Foundation Uganda, a wide section of learners will benefit on learning about the African Values and culture.
Basemera from the Kogeere Foundation Uganda, says that under the “School Cultural Heritage Clubs”, learners engage in essay writing competitions, music, dance and drama that are in line with promoting culture and African Values.
Basemera argues that culture can be used to nature and inculcate discipline among the young generation.
Moses Akugizibwe from the Uganda Community Museums Association, a sister organization in promoting African culture ,emphasized the need for involving communities especially the youths in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage elements and values of the African Tradition.
“Culture is very important. We want the government to provide a curriculum that emphasizes our culture in secondary schools ,this is where we have serious challenges” Akugizibwe stated.
Akugizibwe stated that they intend to increase the capacity and visibility of community museums across the country to help the young generation learn about African culture, especially the past events.
Some of the Cultural Heritage Club patrons in secondary schools, have expressed their views on promoting culture among the young generation.
Feddy Akugizibwe, the patron Kyenjojo SSS tradition heritage club, says if the ministry of education should pick key cultural aspects to be taught in schools to help learners a lot to pick interest in their various cultures.
Joy prosperus Kansiime ,a student from westville high school who participated in the essay writing competitions said they want schools to provide local language text books in schools, she says this will enable many learners to pick interest in African culture and traditional values
Professor Edward Rugumayo, the chief guest during the awarding of certificates to participants who had exhibited extraordinary skills in writing Essay on culture and intangible African Heritage competitions , Said that today learners can hardly express themselves in their various local languages, an act he said is shameful.
Rugumayo, wants parents to play a pivotal role in helping the youth embrace and appreciate their cultural values by teaching them the importance of language as a mode of communication and other African Values.
Some of the schools that took part in local language essay writing include Mpanga SSS, Kyenjojo SSS, Westville, Kibiito SSS,Fort Portal SSS, among others.
