Kia ora and welcome to this issue of the Living Heritage newsletter.
UNESCO Living Heritage Awards were presented to three New Zealand schools at the conclusion of the National Digital Futures Forum, at Te Papa on Monday 23 November, 2009.
Schools did not apply for this Award. An independent judging panel evaluated sites published during the last two years (a total of 30) and selected 3 winners.
The purpose of the Living Heritage Award is to celebrate the achievements of schools successfully working with digital media in areas that contribute to UNESCO’s objectives in education, natural and social sciences, culture and communications.
Are mangroves unwanted weeds ‘gorse of the sea’, or are they beautiful trees that attract native birds?
What games did our grand parents play? How did they live?
Who was Mr Stellin? Why did they name the park we play in after him?
These are the questions that students from Hauraki, Mahana and Northland primary schools asked themselves as part of their research into stories from their local communities. As a result of their inquiry learning they have each been honoured with a Living Heritage Award sponsored by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
“UNESCO recognises that living or intangible heritage provides people with a sense of identity and continuity. Helping young people to learn from their past is a key way to help prepare them for the future.”
Students and teachers from Hauraki, Mahana, and Northland schools travelled to Wellington and attended the NDF where they were given a plaque and $1000 for their respective schools. This was an exciting moment for all who took part.
Check out The History of a Tree, our latest Living Heritage story. Year 1 and 2 students from Russley School in Christchurch researched the heritage of a tree near their school and found out a lot about the history of their local area in the process.
We would like to encourage schools to celebrate the launch of their stories online by holding a public event at their local library. We will send you a launch pack which will help guide you through this process.
Just remember support is only an email or telephone call away. If you would like any help at any stage in your projects, please contact us. We love working with you and are always happy to help. New stories are always welcome. Go to Participate on the Living Heritage website for information and how to register.
Best wishes
The Living Heritage team.
Erris Thomson
Barbara Baker
Curriculum Facilitators
Living Heritage
livingheritage@cwa.co.nz