G e t t i n g F E T
Your guide to further education and training for teachers
South Africa may well hold the key to unlocking the secrets of human history. The Sterkfontein area is one of the single richest sites for early human fossils in the world and one of the longest running palaeo-anthropological excavations.
It is the aim of the Palaeoanthropology Scientific Trust (Past) to promote knowledge and awareness of human origins. By funding research endeavours into human origins in South Africa, the trust has provided valuable resources, enabling this science to flourish and grow.
Major new discoveries have turned attention to southern Africa and an increasing international awareness of the science.Past ensures the continuation, expansion and education of research into the origins of humankind in South Africa and ensures that the contribution of local studies are recognised worldwide.
Past assists in exploratory work designed to find and map out new areas of potential fossils. It also supports the establishment of world heritage sites and the promotion of paleo-tourism and educational tours.
For the past seven years Past has organised school field trips to the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site. Interactive lectures and palaeo-theatre are presented on the site at a fossil excavation in the area. Past is about to broaden its educational drive to less-privileged schools in Gauteng. The initiative will be launched in association with the new Wits school of geosciences outreach programme. The aim is to bring school children from all areas and backgrounds to the Sterkfontein area and eduacte them about the wealth of hommid fossils found in the area as well as the importance of these sites to our human heritage.
Palaeo-anthropology incorporates aspect of both archaeology and history, areas which have been highlighted as important for learning in the new curriculum. Knowing where we come from helps us understand who we are and the world we live in.
To organise a school tour of the Cradle of Humankind contact Christine, tel:(011)486-3083, fax (011) 486-3084 or e-mail: [email protected]
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, July 2001.