KATAVI: BY- LAW makers in Mpanda have highlighted the need for each municipality in Tanzania to come with a specific by-law that will protect, promote and preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage to protect the traditional customs and norms and curb moral erosion.
The call to that end was made in Mpanda on Tuesday at a one day working session with by-law makers in Mpanda meant to come with a guideline for a by-law to promote and preserve intangible cultural heritage in Katavi region.
Speaking during the session, a Councilor who doubles as a retired mayor for Mpanda district, William Mbogo stressed on the need to ensure that the by- law on intangible cultural heritage becomes a national issue for its implementation to be more effective.
Mbogo further called upon the need to incorporate an aspect of both community radio and mainstream media in the said by-law for them to sensitize the community on traditional customs.
He called upon journalists to invite traditional leaders as resource persons to share information on traditional customs for the young generation to understand.
For his part, the Mayor of Mpanda, his Lordship Haidary Sumry highlighted the need for a by- law to recognize traditional healers to enable them gain formal recognitions.
Sumry cited the cases of several traditional healers in the district who had healing powers while at the same time impart the skills and knowledge to the younger generation, a situation that has seen most family members become qualified.
The Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE) with support from the UNESCO- Alwaleed Philanthropies Project has for the past one week been engaging By- Law makers in Sumbawanga district in Rukwa region and Mpanda District in Katavi region in Tanzania to promote intangible cultural heritage.
The engagement is meant to enable them to discuss and develop a guideline to enact by-laws to be used as an advocacy tool for the adoption of Intangible cultural related issues.
The activity is conducted under the Project Titled Crafting Change, ‘Fostering Community-Based Development through Culture-Related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Employment,’ a move meant to foster economic opportunities, especially for youth and women, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania.
The grant initiative is part of a broader three-year partnership between UNESCO and Alwaleed Philanthropies, aligning with the recently adopted global Framework for Culture and Arts Education, which prioritizes the role of arts and culture in driving sustainable development, promoting ethical innovation and nurturing creativity, critical thinking, lifelong learning and professional growth.
Alwaleed Philanthropies, led by H.R.H. Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, supports and collaborates on projects and campaigns with a range of philanthropic, governmental and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, support livelihoods of communities, provide disaster relief and foster intercultural understanding.
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is the knowledge, practices and expressions that communities pass down through generations.
It also includes the objects, spaces and instruments associated with these practices.
