The Malawi Institute of Education (MIE) is conducting a pivotal workshop aimed at creating a sourcebook focused on traditional games for primary schools. This initiative seeks to advocate for the integration of traditional games into the educational curriculum, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage that is at risk of being lost over time.
At the workshop, Mr. Austin Kalambo, the Director of Curriculum Development at MIE, highlighted the urgent need to reconnect with our cultural roots. He expressed that reviving traditional games is essential not only for preserving our heritage but also for empowering future generations with essential life skills. “The competition inherent in these games fosters teamwork and active participation, while the rules promote discipline and problem-solving abilities which are key components of quality education,” Kalambo remarked.
In his remarks, Mr. David Mulera, the Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting the development and implementation of the sourcebook as one way of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage. He noted that traditional games in Malawi carry historical significance, with roots tracing back to the colonial era; sadly, many of these games are becoming less prominent in our society. Since 2013, the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO has been documenting these traditional games through partnerships with the National Museum and Monument, laying the groundwork for a safeguarding manual that will now evolve into this important sourcebook.
Mr. Mulera urged participants to create an engaging and user-friendly sourcebook that educators can effectively utilise in schools, ensuring that the rich legacy of traditional games is not only preserved but also revitalised for the enjoyment and education of future generations.