Timbuktu Manuscripts inspire hands-on events - (1)

The city of Timbuktu in Mali, which was a centre for Islamic scholarship between 1300 and 1600 AD, has once again taken centre stage as steps are being taken to preserve thousands of manuscripts from that period. Known as the Timbuktu Manuscripts, the fragile relics cover subjects as diverse as astronomy, medicine, mathematics, music, poetry, commerce and religion. The Manuscripts are invaluable in providing insight into African heritage and a culture of writing and reading that existed long before Africa was colonised. The South African government has made the Timbuktu a Presidential lead project and a range of other South African institutions are involved.

Iziko’s Department of Education and Public Programmes is offering several teacher development opportunities to raise awareness of this important project. A Timbuktu Teachers’ Workshop takes place on 7 February from 14:30-17:00, and on 8 February from 10:00-16:30, at the Iziko Slave Lodge in Adderley Street. Suitable for GET and FET teachers alike, the workshop includes a teacher resource pack containing ideas for lesson plans and worksheets. The cost is R20 per person.

An in-depth Arabic Calligraphy workshop is offered on 8 and 9 February from 15:00-17:00 at Iziko SA Museum. Participants will learn to write with a ‘qalam’, the traditional Calligraphy reed pen, and will learn about the art form’s history and other relevant topics.

The cost of this event is R50 per person including materials.

Enquiries Tel. 021 481 3823 or email jsilberman@iziko.org.za.

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