Africa-Press – Mauritius. Animated educational videos on Le Morne Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site were launched today at La Gaulette State Secondary School. The videos were developed under the ‘Enhancing Heritage and Peace Education through Digital Tools for Le Morne Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site in Mauritius’ project to mark the 191st Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in Mauritius.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, was present at the ceremony organised by Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms Louise Haxthausen; the Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Mauritius to the UNESCO, Mrs Jasmine Toulouse-Olivier; the Chairperson of Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund, Ms Diana Bablee; as well as other personalities were also present at the ceremony.
In his address Minister Gondeea highlighted that this initiative of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the UNESCO and several partners aim to make Le Morne Cultural Landscape’s history more accessible, clearer and more relevant to young people.
The videos, he pointed out, show that enslaved people were courageous. They also outline the important role of women and the strong connection between people and this mountain, he added.
Speaking to the youth present, the Minister urged them to consider these videos as a legacy and that freedom is precious, which must be protected. He moreover acknowledged that each young person has a role to play in building a fairer society.
As for Ms Haxthausen, she underscored that this innovative project transforms the history of Le Morne into accessible digital learning resources dedicated to peace and remembrance. Through short films, animations and virtual stories, this initiative brings history and heritage closer to young people, educators, and communities, she stated.
She furthermore remarked that this project ensures that the significance of Le Morne reaches wider and more diverse audiences through accessible and multilingual digital tools which include features designed for people with disabilities and those who are unable to physically visit the site.
The videos, a UNESCO-led initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund and supported by the Netherlands Funds-in-Trust, aims to strengthen heritage and peace education among young audiences.
The project promotes awareness of the history of slavery and maroonage, as well as the universal values of freedom, dignity, resilience, and reconciliation embodied by Le Morne Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.
