Deadline: January 31, 2016
The African World Heritage Fund and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in partnership with the Robben Island Museum invite applications for participation in the first Regional Youth Forum on World Heritage in Africa taking place from the April 24 to May 4, 2016 at the Robben Island World Heritage Site in Cape Town, South Africa. This forum will address young people and seek to provide a sustainable platform for youth in Africa that could increase the involvement of youth in the promotion and protection of World Heritage in Africa.
The forum would also deliver essential feedback to UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee and the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) on youth challenges, accomplishments and actions related to the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the region. This is the first regional youth forum on World Heritage in Africa. It will address Anglophone youth. A second forum is planned for 2017 targeting francophone youth in Africa.
Structure of the Forum
- Lectures and presentations from experts and heritage specialists will provide an introduction to the 1972 World Heritage Convention, the Action Plan for World Heritage in the Africa Region, and the challenges of conservation and development.
- Hands-on / practical activities that provide some basic skills on heritage conservation, preservation and/or promotion of African heritage.
- Group discussions and workshops.
- Guided visit to an African World Heritage site with expert input.
- Presentations by the participants on heritage related issues in their own country.
- Participation in a Youth Model of the World Heritage Committee, an educational simulation drawing attention of the young people to the issues related to heritage preservation and promotion in the Africa region and how the World Heritage Committee works.
Benefits
The costs for the forum will be covered by the organizers; the African World Heritage Fund and Robben Island Museum (i.e. airfare, accommodation, meals and local transport within South Africa during the forum).
Eligibility
- Young citizens from the African continent;
- Aged from 20 to 28 years old with fluent English (no interpretation will be provided);
- Available to attend for the full length of the event and invest time to prepare and follow up the forum;
- Motivated, active and driven individuals interested in engaging in a World Heritage network of young African youth and eager to implement the outcomes of the forum in their home countries
- Individuals passionate about heritage in their country.
The working language for the forum is English. *A French-speaking forum is planned for 2017 in Africa (subject to the availability of funds).
Selection Criteria
The following items will be strongly considered during selection:
- Profile confirms with requirements;
- Completed application package (form, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter & video);
- Diversity and complementarities of experiences among participants;
- Potential to act as multiplier;
- Gender and geographic balance;
How to Apply
Each applicant should submit the following application package:
- The completed application form.
- A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) detailing your motivations and experiences related to World Heritage;
- A curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum);
- A signed letter of recommendation from a university, organization or administrative authority/supervisor;
- A short video (maximum 2 minutes) showcasing how youth are or could promote and/or safeguard World Heritage sites (or a site) in your African country;
- Your videos should be: creative, innovative, surprising, but most important of all is to have fun!
- Your videos need to comply with the following criteria:
- Clip length 2 minutes maximum and format: “AVI” only.
NOTE: Applicants will be selected by a jury consisting of representatives from the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), Robben Island Museum (RIM), UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and the African Union. Successful applicants will be informed by 26th February 2016 at the latest.
For more information, visit African World Heritage Regional Youth Forum.
