Bridging Ages branch in South Africa
Since the establishment of the committee at the Bridging Ages conference in Worcester the focus has been to establish the Bridging Ages branch in South Africa. A constitution has been drafted and a job description has been compiled for a coordinator to run the branch in South Africa. We are fortunate that the Western Cape Department of Social Development has committed funds towards the appointment of a coordinator.
The Bridging Ages South Africa Board and the coordinator will promote Historic Environment Education and Time Travels in South Africa through partnerships with Museums, Education, Social Development and Environment in the various Provinces. Much has been achieved in the Western Cape with a total of 18 Time Travels planned for 2009. The property store at the Worcester museum has been upgraded and additional props will be added during 2009. The Dias and CP Nel museums are developing time travels this year. Museum Scientists from Museum Service are assisting museums in training and researching scenarios.
Ebbe Westergren and Helen Eklund from Kalmar läns museum are active in the other Provinces developing new projects in Port Shepstone and Potchefstroom, which eventually will be coordinated by Bridging Ages South Africa. The constitution makes provision for provincial committees and members who will be represented on the South African Board. The Board will nominate a representative to sit on the International Board. It is planned to have Bridging Ages South Africa established by the end of 2009.
Tizzie Mangiagalli, Worcester Museum Chairman of the Interim Committee Bridging Ages South Africa
