On 25 February 2026, HERITΛGE hosted the seventh online Network Convening for recipients of the Small Grants for African Heritage Projects, bringing together grantees, heritage professionals, members of the re-granting committee, and other partners supporting heritage initiatives across the continent.

The grants initiative is part of HerMaP Africa, HERITΛGE’s programme to strengthen heritage management capacity across the continent, funded by the Mellon Foundation. Through a series of small grants, the programme supports locally led heritage initiatives and fosters a growing network of heritage practitioners across Africa.

HERITΛGE has organised a series of grantee convenings, part of an ongoing effort to connect, support, and strengthen the network of African heritage practitioners funded through the grants programme. The seventh convening brought together participants from 30 funded and fiscally sponsored projects across Africa for two hours of presentations and discussion.

A Guest Address from the National Civil Rights Museum

Dr. Russell Wigginton of the National Civil Rights Museum

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Richard A. Brown, Head of Grants and Partnerships at HERITΛGE, who also introduced the guest of honour, Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Dr. Wigginton presented the history and mission of the museum, a complex of historic buildings and exhibitions in Memphis that traces the story of the civil rights movement in the United States from the 17th century to the present day. His presentation highlighted the museum’s role not only as a site of remembrance but also as a space for education, dialogue, and social engagement.

The presentation offered valuable perspectives for the participating African heritage professionals, many of whom are working on projects that similarly connect heritage preservation, community memory, and social history.

Grantees Present Heritage Projects from Across Africa

Following the keynote presentation, grantees presented their projects in a series of short presentations designed to showcase the diversity of initiatives supported through the programme.

Five projects were presented during the session:

• Phelile Chima (Zambia) — The Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Zambian Barkcloth
• Agness Onna Gidna (Tanzania) — Empowering Community Conservation for Sustainable Development at Engaruka Heritage Site
• Ahlam Ahmed Mohamed Othman (Egypt) — Preserving Bedouin Oral Literature
• Abel Assefa Girmay (Ethiopia) — Standardization, Documentation and Digitalization of Museum Collections for Effective Heritage Management
• Wacelia Marcelino Zacarias Zualo (Mozambique) — Weaving Resilience: Preserving Carpet Weaving and Cultural Knowledge in Palma, Cabo Delgado

As in previous convenings, presenters were given five minutes each to introduce their work, using a timer to ensure all speakers stayed within the allotted time. Following the presentations, participants engaged in an open question-and-answer discussion.

Several projects generated particular interest among the audience. Participants asked numerous questions about the traditional uses and cultural significance of Zambian barkcloth, while Ahlam Ahmed Mohamed Othman shared a video documenting Bedouin oral literature, providing a vivid glimpse into the storytelling traditions her project is working to preserve.

Strengthening a Network of Heritage Practitioners

As the session drew to a close, the team encouraged grantees to remain connected and continue sharing updates, experiences, and lessons learned.

Over the past two years, the convenings have become an important platform for mutual learning, peer support, and collaboration among heritage professionals working in diverse cultural contexts across Africa.

Even as the grant cycle concludes, HERITΛGE hopes that the relationships built through these sessions will continue to grow, ensuring that the community of African heritage practitioners supported through the programme remains active, collaborative, and engaged.

Coming up next: A Convening of our Fiscally Sponsored  project grantees.

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By Greg Bakunzi | Co-Founder, Red Rocks Rwanda

We’re thrilled to share exciting updates from the heart of Kayonza, where our vision for a vibrant Cultural Heritage Center is now becoming a reality. What began as a dream to blend culture, conservation, and community has now taken solid form, with construction already 70% complete.

Since its founding, Red Rocks Rwanda (RRR) has stood for one big idea: that cultural tourism can be a force for community development. From our home in Musanze to the open plains of the Eastern Province, our work continues to prove that when people take pride in their heritage, they also protect the land that sustains them.

Building with Heart and Heritage

The new Kayonza Center beautifully combines modern design with traditional inspiration. Think of hybrid thatch and metal roofs echoing ancestral homes, handwoven sisal wall art, and furnishings crafted from reclaimed local wood. Each detail tells a story. Even as builders complete the last phases of interior work, artisans are already using finished spaces for craft workshops and storytelling sessions.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

No journey is without obstacles. Along the way, we’ve had to navigate strict zoning and environmental regulations, especially in flood-prone areas. But rather than slow us down, these challenges inspired innovation. Working closely with REMA (Rwanda Environment Management Authority), we designed elevated foundations and permeable pavements that protect both our buildings and the environment.

These collaborative solutions turned challenges into opportunities, and something wonderful happened. Community participation grew stronger than ever. Local leaders, once cautious, are now some of our most enthusiastic advocates.

Expanding Our Reach

What started as one cultural center is now inspiring a network of seven connected sites around Kayonza. Each will focus on preserving pastoral traditions and fostering eco-tourism experiences like guided Inyambo cattle sessions, heritage walks, and community storytelling circles.

The Kayonza site is now the anchor for seven interconnected cultural locations, each celebrating Rwanda’s rich pastoral traditions. Visitors will soon enjoy experiences like:

1. Inyambo cattle demonstrations with traditional herders

2. Interactive craft workshops led by local cooperatives

3. Cultural storytelling evenings around communal fires

4. Agro-tourism and heritage trails connecting culture with conservation

Looking Ahead

The Kayonza Cultural Heritage Center isn’t just a construction project; it’s a growing movement for cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods. Here’s what’s next:

• Creating 200 new jobs for youth and women by 2026

• Launching vocational training in crafts, hospitality, and eco-agriculture

• Developing digital archives to safeguard Rwanda’s herding and farming heritage

• Linking Kayonza cultural tours with Akagera safaris, opening new tourism opportunities

A Call to Our Supporters

At 80% completion, we’re closer than ever to our goal, but there’s still more work ahead. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners, especially the Mellon Foundation and The Heritage Management Organization, whose belief in our mission keeps us moving forward.

We invite you, friends, donors, and cultural enthusiasts, to be part of this next chapter. Your continued support helps us preserve Rwanda’s living heritage while creating lasting opportunities for the communities that call it home.

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On 10 December 2025, the HERITΛGE Africa Grants Team held the sixth online networking convening for grantees awarded in 2024. The meeting brought together grantees, HERITΛGE staff, members of the Re-granting Committee, representatives of the Mellon Foundation, and other African donors, with 45 attendees. After welcoming remarks by Richard A. Brown, seven grantees shared their projects. These ranged from documenting traditional boat-making in Mauritius and supporting cultural teaching in Senegal to safeguarding heritage industries in Sudan and revitalising museums in Chad and Ghana.

“Hearing the diverse experiences of colleagues across Africa reminded me that we are part of a wider heritage community, facing similar challenges, but also drawing inspiration and new ideas from one another.”

After the presentations, grantees’ refelcted on presenting their work and learning from one another. Participants discussed how the experience of sharing their projects encouraged them to reconsider elements of documentation, community engagement, and youth involvement in heritage work. Several grantees noted that hearing from others sparked new thinking about how to approach their own initiatives and opened possibilities for collaboration across contexts.

The sixth convening highlighted the strength of these gatherings in creating a space for peer learning, shared reflection, and mutual support, reinforcing HERITΛGE’s commitment to fostering heritage initiatives across Africa.

The participants and projects featured were:

• Dr. Jayshree Mungur-Medhi, Mauritius: ‘Living the Heritage in Vieux Grand Port – Documentation and Transmission of Traditional Boat Making’

• Abdoulaye Diao Noumounthi, Senegal: ‘ElleSolaire Cultural Academy’

• Dr. Gafar Ali Fadol Ibrahim, Sudan: ‘Safeguarding Living Cultural Heritage in the Sudan at the Time of Conflict: Documentation of Cultural Industries (Pottery and Basketry) of Sinkat Locality in the Red Sea State’

• Yaw Mankatah Asare, Ghana: ‘Abibikwantuo (AK) Indigenous Sustainability Hub’

• Ngague Gaga Taguimbi, Chad (presenting on behalf of Ganda Bini Djabou): ‘Restoration and revitalization of the Sarh Museum’

• Prof. Pastory Magayane Bushozi, Tanzania: ‘Conservation and Promotion of Cultural Sites in the Eyasi Basin, Tanzania’

• Isaak Aduko, Ghana: ‘Protection, preservation and promotion of Fort Fredericksburg’

This was the sixth out of six planned events aimed at showcasing projects funded through our Small Grants for African Heritage Projects initiative, made possible through generous funding by the Mellon Foundation. 75 projects have received around $1 million in funding. You can read more about the specific projects on our Africa Grants page.

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The Jufureh Heritage Village Museum, developed by the Alamanding Foundation, is a community-driven initiative dedicated to safeguarding traditional knowledge, skills, and stories for future generations. More than a space for preserving artefacts, it serves as a living museum—a place where culture thrives through civic education, environmental awareness, artisan workshops, and storytelling gatherings at Banta Baa, a communal hub for cultural exchange.

At the heart of the project is the construction of a traditional Mandinka homestead, built using local materials and techniques that reflect the authenticity of rural Gambian life. The homestead complements an already completed Fulani compound, together forming a vibrant cultural complex that celebrates the shared heritage of the Mandinka and Fula communities of the Niumi District.

The initiative also supports sustainability and community empowerment. A solar-powered borehole has been installed to provide clean water and electricity to the site, ensuring that the museum operates in an environmentally responsible way. Meanwhile, 12 local stakeholders—including tour guides, museum staff, and tourism officials—have been trained by HERITΛGE in oral history collection, heritage interpretation, and cultural tourism marketing.

These activities are already generating impact. The museum has become a focal point for visitors seeking deeper engagement with Gambian heritage and for locals who see their traditions valued and sustained.

HERITΛGE is proud to have contributed to a project that not only preserves heritage but also creates opportunities, strengthens local identity, and demonstrates the power of community-led action. President Barrow’s visit is a testament to the national importance of such efforts and to the shared vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable future for heritage in The Gambia.

You can now visit the museum and find out more about Jufureh’s heritage. Find out more here.

*HERITΛGE’s Small Grants for Africa Initiative is supported by the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program. This project has also received funding from EU-funded HerMaP Gambia.

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AI-generated image sourced from Canva

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has taken the world by storm — transforming the way we write, design, and make decisions. But at HERITΛGE, we’re exploring how it can achieve something even more meaningful: help us understand, evaluate, and support community-led cultural heritage projects.

In 2023 HERITΛGE launched a call inviting and receiving hundreds of proposals from organizations, communities, and individuals in Africa to apply for small grants for Africa heritage projects — from traditional crafts and oral histories to sustainable tourism and cultural education. This was part of our HerMaP Africa initiative, supported by the Mellon Foundation.

The response was phenomenal. We received an unprecedented number of proposals from around the continent, over 1,700. A committee of experts was set up to examine them and decide which projects would be funded – no easy task!

To ensure that our funding decisions were fair, transparent, and data-driven, following the completion of the committee’s work, we joined forces with researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) – also our partners in the EU-funded SHIFT project, and the Group on Language, Audio, and Music (GLAM), at Imperial College London. Together, we set out to answer a simple but powerful question:

Can open, ethical AI help us make smarter and more equitable funding decisions?

The researchers, including HERITΛGE director, Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis,introduced a framework that developed a new framework to analyze large collections of project proposals in the cultural heritage field — using a mix of established methods and the latest artificial intelligence (AI).

Our goal was to understand what themes and priorities appeared most often in proposals, and what factors might influenced their success.

To do this, we combined traditional topic modeling tools (which find recurring themes in texts) with large language models (LLMs) — the same kind of advanced AI behind tools like ChatGPT.

First, the traditional models identified broad topics across more than 1,700 project proposals focused on protecting and promoting heritage in Africa. Then,  newer AI models refined these themes, helping us define them more precisely and in ways that make sense for the heritage field.

We also looked at how language was used in the proposals — for example, how complex the writing was, what tone it used (positive or negative), and whether certain patterns in language might influence how proposals are received.

This approach helped uncover hidden insights about how funding is distributed and what kinds of projects tend to succeed. Ultimately, the aim is to support more transparent and equitable funding decisions and to help cultural heritage organizations better tailor their proposals for impact.

Putting Ethics and Privacy First

While many people are familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, these are proprietary systems that store data on external servers. When dealing with sensitive information such as grant proposals, that’s a serious concern.
Instead of sending data to the cloud, we used an open-source AI model (LLaMA3) and ran it entirely on our own secure systems. This ensured that all proposal data remained private and compliant with our ethical standards.

Finding Meaning in 1,700 Proposals

Our analysis identified 25 meaningful categories reflecting heritage priorities and emerging trends in real work on the ground in Africa— from agricultural heritage to sustainable crafts and inclusive education.

What we learnt was that Community Development, Heritage Preservation, and Culture emerged as the most common and well-funded themes. The figure below depicts how over $1 million of total allocations was apportioned among the 25 refined topics. Three leading categories—Community Development, Heritage Preservation, and Culture—each received close to $600,000. Meanwhile, areas like Social Services and Education fell below $50,000, indicating potential gaps in support.

Interestingly, Tourism and Academic work secured comparatively large allocations despite a smaller share of total applications, highlighting a more targeted focus in these areas. Keep in mind here that applicants had to demonstrate that their project has a lasting impact, develops capacity, builds networks, strengthens local skills, and has a strong, measurable impact for the protection of heritage and the benefit of local people.

Some topics tended to appear together. Our analysis showed that strong overlaps emerged among Community Development, Culture, and Heritage Preservation, implying that community-driven initiatives often intersect with preserving local culture. Similarly, Sustainability, Conservation, and Agriculture frequently clustered, reflecting an expanding emphasis on environmentally responsible heritage initiatives. By contrast, topics like Training, Business, and Economics tended to appear in isolation—suggesting room for more integrated, cross-cutting proposals (e.g. heritage based social enterprises).

We also used sentiment analysis, readability measures, and inclusivity keywords to study the “linguistic fingerprint” of each proposal: we found that sentiment, readabilitty and inclusivity all mattered.  Accepted proposals scored higher in positivity, suggesting that evaluators respond well to an upbeat, confident tone. Both successful and unsuccessful proposals were typically quite technical, indicating that complexity alone isn’t a deal-breaker. However, a moderate level of clarity—i.e., avoiding overly dense jargon—tended to correlate with better outcomes. Terms like “diversity” and “accessibility,” as well as a moderate usage of gendered pronouns, appeared more frequently in awarded projects. This underscores the value placed on inclusivity and social impact within cultural heritage funding.

In plain terms, AI confirmed that trojects using positive and inclusive language tended to perform better with evaluators, showing that tone and clarity influence evaluation outcomes. These insights can guide future applicants toward stronger, more effective proposals.

Why It Matters

By uncovering patterns in both what applicants propose and how they articulate their projects, we can provide clearer guidance for future calls and better ensure that funding reaches impactful cultural heritage initiatives.

This study shows that AI, when used ethically, can help cultural heritage professionals make funding processes more transparent, efficient, and fair. It’s not about replacing human judgment but enhancing it with better data and insights — ensuring that resources reach the initiatives with the greatest impact.

HERITΛGE and its partners will continue refining this approach as a new call for proposals for heritage projects in Mexico will soon be published, under our recently launched HerMaP Mexico initiative.

You can find the study and more information on the TUM website.

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The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) is proud to announce the launch of HerMaP Mexico, a two-year intervention that will support heritage management initiatives across six Mexican states that share a border with the United States — Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas — and empower local communities to harness their cultural heritage as a source of identity, learning, and sustainable development.

Building on the success of HERITΛGE’s international programs, this new project represents a major milestone in the organization’s growing engagement in North America. It will bring together heritage professionals, community organizations, and cultural leaders from across the region to map heritage ecosystems, build capacity, and support community-led projects.

“We see HerMaP Mexico as a transformative initiative — both for the organization and for heritage professionals across Mexico’s border states,” said HERITΛGE’s Denise Navarro Becerra, HerMaP Mexico Project Manager. “With the Mellon Foundation’s generous support, we aim to connect and empower those heritage managers and stewards in one of the world’s most dynamic cultural regions.”

A Four-Pillar Approach to Strengthening Heritage

HerMaP Mexico’s activities are structured around four key pillars:

1. Mapping: Identifying actors, capacities, infrastructure, and gaps in heritage management across the six states.
2. Capacity Building: Delivering targeted heritage management training programs adapted to and inspired by the local contexts through in-person and online sessions.
3. Networking: Organizing regional networking events to connect local, national, and international actors in heritage management.
4. Re-granting: Distributing small grants to community-focused heritage projects.

These activities will engage a wide range of stakeholders and topics in cultural heritage management, highlighting the richness and diversity of the border region’s cultural heritage. The program will run until September 2027, combining in-person activities with digital learning resources available through HERITΛGE’s Training Platform.

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During the recent, nearly month-long visit to Rwanda, two successful and highly engaged workshops were conducted under the theme: “Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage.” The training gathered 37 heritage practitioners who offered valuable insights, exchanged knowledge, and shared on-the-ground experience.

The workshops were led by Lena Stefanou and Aris Anagnostopoulos, whose expertise guided participants through practical strategies for community involvement.

The first workshop took place in the southwestern region of Rwanda, in Nyamasheke. This location was strategically chosen because the area is considerably more remote from Kigali, marking a significant step in expanding our programme’s on-site presence. Partnering with IVOMO, who provided crucial organisation and coordination support, the workshop focused intensely on local needs and specific challenges faced by communities in the Great Lakes region. The week spent in this tropical landscape underscored the importance of reaching remote areas to ensure a broad national impact.

Following the Nyamasheke session, the second workshop was hosted in Kigali, the capital of the country. This session broadened the discussion to encompass a wider range of stakeholders, organisations, and dynamic national applications. Our essential partner, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), as always, provided excellent logistical support, including the necessary room and materials at the Kandt House Museum.

Ultimately, both intensive workshops provided fertile ground for the exchange of knowledge, the development of strategies, and the reinforcement of the role of local communities in the protection, preservation, and utilisation of cultural heritage as a driver for sustainable development.

Field Visits and Strategic Engagement

Following the successful completion of the workshops, the remaining weeks of the mission were dedicated to crucial field visits and high-level stakeholder meetings across Rwanda. As the Country Manager, I embarked on an extensive schedule to personally visit projects on the ground, covering a significant geographical expanse—from the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu in the west, across to the Ngoma District in the east, and down into the Southern Province.

This commitment to comprehensive on-the-ground presence yielded two vital outcomes for both our organisation and our local partners.

First, for me, the visits provided a vastly improved and granular understanding of the actual situation. Observing the projects firsthand allowed me to gain immediate clarity on their evolution, their current state, the specific difficulties local teams face, and their overall trajectory. This practical insight is indispensable for effective strategic planning.

Second, the impact on our local partners and the communities themselves was equally profound. By prioritising this on-site presence, we achieved a deeper connection that served to empower the local teams significantly. Our physical presence demonstrated a genuine interest and commitment, signaling the high value we place on their efforts and achievements. We had the opportunity to meet the dedicated individuals face-to-face, fostering stronger personal and professional relationships that reinforce the communities’ sense of ownership and dedication to the long-term sustainability of their cultural heritage work.

In short, these field visits transformed our theoretical understanding into tangible knowledge, strengthening both our project oversight and the foundational local partnerships necessary for lasting impact in Rwanda.

*** The visit and workshops are part of HERITΛGE’s HerMaP Africa initiative, generously supported by the Mellon Foundation.

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We are happy to share that TraciKwai’s Fisher Child VR Experience, one of the 75 projects funded by our Small Grants for Africa, an initiative generously supported by the Mellon Foundation, had its official launch on June 21st.

Project Fisher Child is a multidisciplinary storytelling experience that weaves together VR, AR, and QR technologies. Each element offers a unique narrative that intersects and overlaps with the others, creating a rich, immersive journey. Whether you are engaging on-site or from wherever you are, the stories remain accessible and impactful.

The launch event was a great success and was attended by 100 people who gathered at the small community hall in Kalk Bay.The guests came from both the local fishing community and the wider Cape Town area and queued in front of each of the two-by-two marked out squares, patiently waiting for their turn to experience the Virtual Reality, Living Museum of stories and images housed inside a 3D world; a repository of archival material including images, old photographs and the ancient sound of the Poedjies unique to the area.

A multi-sensory experience of sight and sound combined with the flavours and aromas of fresh indigenous food:  “viskop sop”, smoor snoek en gebakte brood (fish head soup, fish stew and freshly baked bread) topped with home made preserves and spicy tea.

Community members were brought to tears as they heard the voices of old friends and family members who were no longer there and young voices gave them a sense of hope and pride and belonging.

The VR experience made them feel as though they were immersed under the sea and created feelings of nostalgia and they were able to share those memories with us after.

Age was no barrier. This experience was enjoyed by five year olds and eighty five year olds alike.

The Augmented Reality Museum Jars were also a big success, with quite a few sold on the day. Participants were so engrossed in the experience that many needed gentle encouragement to exit!

All in all a very successful community event!

Experience some of the exhibits yourself here.

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Harar Jugal, the fortified historic town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a living testament to Ethiopia’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. With its intricate alleyways, traditional Harari houses, centuries-old mosques, and lively open markets, Harar has long served as a cultural and commercial melting pot. The town holds immense historical value while simultaneously serving as a vibrant home for its local community. However, the preservation of this unique urban landscape is increasingly threatened by urbanization, inadequate maintenance, and the impacts of climate change.

To both leverage Harar Jugal’s potential for the benefit of its contemporary inhabitants and safeguard the historic center for future generations, there is a pressing need to develop specialized skills in heritage conservation, traditional building techniques, and sustainable urban management. Strengthening local capacity in these areas is essential to ensure that the cultural and historical integrity of Harar remains intact while responding to the evolving needs of its residents.

Walls of Harar Jugal.

In  December 2024, the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Harar, one of the key institutions responsible for managing the Harar Jugal historic town, invited HERITΛGE to a virtual meeting. During the meeting, Mohammed Rabi, a representative of the Bureau, proposed organizing a heritage conservation workshop for Bureau staff and close collaborators. In alignment with its mission to train and empower heritage professionals to engage communities in stewarding their cultural assets for greater understanding, sustainability, and economic development, HERITΛGE welcomed the initiative and agreed to deliver the proposed training in Harar.

The workshop on Heritage Conservation was conducted in a blended format, combining online and in-person sessions held on 7-9 and 21-23 May 2025, respectively. This flexible format ensured accessibility while supporting dynamic, participatory learning. The training was led by Alexis Stefanis, Assistant Professor of Architectural Conservation at the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, University of West Attica. The curriculum was structured around three core content areas: General Principles of Cultural Heritage Conservation, First Aid for Finds, and Preventive Conservation. The online component delivered core theoretical content through lectures, readings, and discussions, while the in-person sessions emphasized hands-on exercises, group work, and live demonstrations. The workshop attracted 13 participants (8 men and 5 women) and was delivered under HERITΛGE’s HerMaP Ethiopia training program, which is funded by the Humanities in Place initiative of the Mellon Foundation.

Networking meeting with Mr Teweleda Abdosh Ahmed – Head of Culture, Heritage & Tourism Bureau, Harari People Regional State.

Participant engagement was enthusiastic and highly interactive. The hybrid structure facilitated broad participation, and both components were well-attended. One of the most impactful moments occurred during Dr. Stefanis’s live tool demonstration. After observing how the tools worked and understanding their applications, participants expressed a strong desire to use them directly. Encouraged by the facilitator, they took the tools outside and began applying them at actual heritage sites, collecting data and interpreting results on-site. Many cited this hands-on activity as the most transformative part of the training. Recognizing the value of practical learning, participants formally requested that the tools be made available for their ongoing conservation work.

Dr. Stefanis’s mission to Harar was supported by Natassa Nika, Africa Programs Coordinator at HERITΛGE, and Habtamu Gizawu Tola, HERITΛGE’s local representative in Ethiopia. Together, they met with key stakeholders, including the Culture and Tourism Bureau of the Harari People Regional State, the Construction Permit and Inspection Authority, and the Heritage Department of Haramaya University. These discussions highlighted the urgent need to preserve Harar’s distinctive heritage amid complex challenges. Participants identified priority areas such as capacity building in conservation and digital preservation, community engagement, and institutional strengthening.

These insights aligned with HERITΛGE’s ongoing mapping efforts in Ethiopia. Since launching its intervention program, HERITΛGE has conducted online surveys across the country to assess training needs and identify gaps in heritage management. Findings indicate that many professionals involved in conservation projects lack formal training, especially in areas such as architectural and artifact conservation.

Demonstration of tools.

The workshop and stakeholder meetings in Harar revealed not only the need for training and technical skills but also broader systemic challenges, particularly the lack of funding for project implementation and capacity development. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource sharing, and establishing equitable partnerships. As a result, HERITΛGE and the Harar Culture and Tourism Bureau committed to ongoing collaboration and began developing a joint action plan.

Brainstorming sessions generated several promising ideas for future collaboration, including co-developing project proposals for funding calls, launching targeted capacity-building programs, and even establishing a university for conservation studies in Harar. As a first step, the partners agreed to draft a series of concept notes collaboratively, with the goal of developing a shared vision that would eventually lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HERITΛGE and the Bureau—formalizing the new partnership.

Overall, the experience in Harar marked a significant step forward in conservation capacity building and demonstrated the value of inclusive, hands-on training combined with strategic stakeholder engagement. It stands as a strong success story and a foundation for deeper collaboration in the preservation of Ethiopia’s unique cultural heritage.

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From 19 to 21 May 2025, HERITΛGE hosted an online workshop on communication strategy and strategic marketing for cultural heritage professionals in Rwanda. The workshop formed part of HerMaP Africa, an initiative supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Led by media professional Derwin Johnson, the training brought together 15 heritage and tourism practitioners from across Rwanda to strengthen communication practices, improve audience engagement, and support the long-term sustainability of their institutions.

Participants represented ten organisations involved in cultural preservation and tourism, including Shalom Safaris Rwanda, Red Rocks Rwanda, Ubumuntu Arts Organisation, and others.* The workshop created an opportunity for professionals to share experiences and gain practical knowledge in areas relevant to their work.

“Time keeping, interactive, appropriate to our environment and sectors, with a nice mood and feeling – the live session felt as if it was on site.”

Esi Chantal Umuraza – Art & Travel Ltd – Founder

Over three days, the group explored a range of topics related to communication planning and outreach. The first day focused on storytelling techniques and media writing. Participants worked on developing clear and compelling messages for different audiences, including journalists and the general public.

The second day covered digital communication, with an emphasis on social media strategies. Sessions addressed how organisations can use various platforms to reach wider audiences, plan and manage content, and evaluate the effectiveness of their online communication efforts.

“I mostly like how our invigilator communicated on time. The instructor helped us during this course. He’s very professional in terms of providing learning methodology, and we wish we could have more days, as the more we get deep, the more we like and become familiar with the course.”

Jean Aime Nisingizwe – Shalom Safaris Rwanda – Chief of operations officer

The final day dealt with communication during times of crisis. Participants learned how to prepare for and respond to difficult situations in a clear and professional manner. A practical simulation, including a mock interview and press conference, gave participants the chance to apply these skills in a realistic scenario.

The workshop was designed to be interactive and practical, with small group activities and hands-on exercises throughout. Project Manager Eirini Oikonomidi said “I really enjoyed the interaction among the participants, both with each other and with the trainer. The group exercises were very effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.”

For more information about HERITΛGE’s workshops, go to our open courses page, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter / X, LinkedIn or Instagram.  

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