Elders are encouraged to teach culture, heritage to the youth

Museum official expresses concern over the widening cultural gap between generations as the world marked the International Museum Day
Parents and the elderly have been urged to dedicate some time to impart some cultural knowledge to the younger generation.
Speaking at Kabarnet Museum grounds during celebrations to mark International Museum Day, the Baringo County Director for Culture Wycliffe Maritim the widening cultural gap between elderly people and the current generation is very worrying.
Maritim said many youths and children were unable to communicate effectively in their local dialect, an issue he blamed on the lack of a systematic transfer of cultural knowledge.
“I am urging parents and the elderly to create some time to teach their children about culture because it is very important in their life,” he said.
He said much focus nowadays was on modern technology and lifestyle which in turn has hampered the development of young people to recognise and appreciate their art and culture as well as valuable norms and traditions.
Maritim, who presided over the celebrations largely attended by students from local institutions, noted that culture is an area whose benefits were far and wide, especially in traditional arts, music and beadwork which were highly paying.
Kabarnet Museum curator Lilian Amwanda said the facility plays a crucial role as the custodian of the community’s rich cultures and heritage. She called on communities to be proud of their traditional cultures and natural resources.
Ms Amwanda urged residents to make it a habit of visiting such places to understand and get knowledge of their past.
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Management and Advisory officer Elphas Wesonga underscored the need to maintain and preserve cultures, traditions and natural assets so as to attract local and foreign visitors.
“Baringo is unique because it has so many resources which, if properly exploited, would go a long way in improving the livelihoods of local and neighbouring communities,” he said.
He, at the same time, urged residents to grow more trees during this rainy season, especially the indigenous species, to conserve and protect the environment and animal habitat.
International Museum Day, marked on 18 May each year since 1977, aims to raise awareness of the importance of museums as a means of culture and cultural enrichment as well as the development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.
More than 37,000 museums in about 158 countries and territories participated in the event in 2021 according to the International Council of Museums who are the organises.
The 2022 celebrations were marked under the theme “Power of Museum”.

Source: MY Gov