KNYSNA NEWS - Two Knysna youths are offering guided tours to schools as part of an initiative called The Young Patriots Programme.
Anita Best, who is "crazy about" heritage and culture, joined forces with Carlyle Lodewyk, who is more focused on the creative world of art, are based at the Old Gaol museum and they plan to educate Knysna learners about history and heritage through practical experience – a partnership between the provincial department of cultural affairs and sport and the National Youth Development Agency that was launched in 2016.
Best and Lodewyk have approached five schools so far as their way of giving back to the community.
Some of the buildings they visit are Hilhursheim, the Old Post Office, First National Bank, the Jonker Building now known as the Oude Fabriek, 28 Main Street, Templeman's Arcade, War Memorial, Knysna Library, Standard Bank and more.
Best says it is crucial for learners to be part of this programme simply because it contributes towards sustainable tourism. “Mass participation in culture, heritage and history and education is so important for children and adults. Understanding their heritage gives children a sense of belonging, which in turn creates confidence and tolerance.”
She says what brought the idea about was her curiosity about the heritage and attractions in Knysna which, growing up, she had no idea of but had glimpses of what it meant from stories told by her grandparents – which sparked the curiosity even more.
Anita Best (left), a Young Patriot of the Western Cape Government, led a group of learners and representatives of five schools in Knysna on a guided walk of heritage sites in the centre of the town, on Tuesday 21 August. Everyone paid close attention and took notes.
“It is my passion to educate learners and expose them to places outside of their surroundings, to fully grasp where we come from as a town. Looking at the bigger picture with our mentor Sikhanyiso Magodla, we are certain this is going to be an exciting project.”
The tours, which started on 21 August, take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” We will have different schools on each tour but at the moment we are starting with five schools.”
Is your school interested?
Contact Anita Best at 1anita.best@gmail.com.
Is your school interested?
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