Workshop on Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa

Application Deadline: October 6, 2024

World Heritage interpretation and presentation refer to the processes and methods of communicating the values and significance of a World Heritage site to local communities, visitors and the wider public. Interpretation and presentation are critical for the conservation and management of World Heritage sites to ensure that they are valued, protected, and appreciated by both present and future generations. 

To strengthen the capacities of heritage practitioners in the field of presentation and interpretation of World Heritage sites, the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites (WHIPIC) in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement of Rwanda (MINUBUMWE), is organizing the Workshop on Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa. 

The workshop will be held online from the 28^th to the 31^st of October 2024 and in-person from the 11^th to the 15^th of November 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. This capacity building exercise is aligned with the priorities identified by African World Heritage site managers and National Focal Points in the Third Cycle Action Plan for World Heritage in Africa (2021-2027) and is part Memorandum of Agreement between AWHF and WHIPIC regarding collaboration in the implementation of World Heritage Convention in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Regions.

Workshop Format:

• The workshop will be provided in two sessions; online and in-person sessions. All participants need to attend all sessions during the workshop period.

4. Case study on World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa
   
   Each participant is required to submit a case study (approximately 500 words) describing a World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa with which they have experience as a part of the application form. This experience will be presented during the course and will give participants a chance to become better acquainted with World Heritage in the region.The case study of World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa must contain, at a minimum, the following sections, under the same headings:

• Description of the World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts.
• Conservation, management, interpretation and presentation of the World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts
• Challenges facing the property regarding interpretation and presentation of the World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts.
• Good practices in the interpretation and presentation of the World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts.

Selection Criteria

5. Participants for this workshop shall be selected based on the following criteria:

• Have at least 5 years of experience working in the field of cultural and/or natural heritage, including World Heritage area; in particular with World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa
• Be fluent (speaking, reading and writing) in the working language of the workshop (English and French);
• Demonstrable good knowledge of the World Heritage Convention and the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention;
• Experience in heritage conservation and management, interpretation and presentation, research, data analysis and report writing in the field of cultural and/or natural heritage; in particular with World Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa
• Be motivated, active and interested in engaging in the field of World Heritage;
• Be responsible for their visa application. Note: The invitation letters will be provided from the Government of Rwanda to support participants’ visa application.
• The country and gender balance will be prioritized.

Benefits

• The cost of the participant will be fully covered by WHIPIC, AWHF and the Government of Rwanda and shall include roundtrip travel ticket to the workshop, accommodation, meals and local transportation

Application procedure 
Each applicant should submit the following application package:The completed application form which includes:

1. The completed application form which includes:
   • Statement of interest (a motivation detailing the applicant’s reasons for applying);
   • Presentation of a case study on a World] Heritage Sites Associated with Memory of Recent Conflicts in Africa including all the elements outlined in Section 4 of this call. If successful, the case study will be presented during the workshop.
2. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages) outlining the applicant’s current position, qualifications, areas of expertise, work experience in the field of cultural and/or natural heritage including on World Heritage, publications/reports;
3. A letter of support from the employer granting the applicant permission to attend workshop and confirming the employer’s willingness to support the applicant in follow up assignments (e.g., writing of essay on the case study for publication) as part of this programme, if the applicant is selected.

Submit your application, by no later than 6 October 2024.For any queries regarding the application process please contact the Partnership Officer at the AWHF, Ms. Bridget Dube, ([email protected]), with cc to the Head of Education and Networking Office at the WHIPIC, Ms Haeree Shim ([email protected]).

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Workshop on Interpretation & Presentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites