HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS ENGAGE IN ORAL HISTORY

 HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS ENGAGE IN ORAL HISTORY 

By Maboni Kgabi

TALKIN HISTORY: Learners, departmental officials and history teacher Mamphitha Dongwe (far right)

High school history learners from Motswedi High School in Ramotshere Moilwa recently took part in an oral history workshop, under the guidance of the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr).

The purpose of the workshop was to share information for teachers to better facilitate and manage Oral History in their classes. For their part, learners acquire skills to become better in dealing with activities related to Oral History.

The workshop provided learners with skills and techniques for conducting oral history interviews, and the channels available for publishing and sharing the acquired knowledge.

A grade 11 leaner, Ratanang Bome at the school said she was grateful to be part of the workshop as it had afforded them an opportunity to make sound career choices.

She said she always wanted a career in history and now it is clear on what to do next. She wishes to become a researcher or historian.

“I always find it interesting to engage on matters that concern us as learners. We even hear stories of information not being accurate. I can promise you that we are going to pursue studies in this field and we can assure that we will dig even deeper for more,” said Bome.

History teacher at the school, Mamphitha Dongwe said the sessions were important in that learners were able to interact with the experts in the field. Dongwe said that they were able to raise questions and receive feedback.

He added that the sessions would help learners to use the information shared with them to broaden their knowledge to tackle oral history issues appropriately.

“I wish to thank the department for the visit and the presentation and urge them to do such sessions often to various schools in the province. This also assist us to manage oral history activities.”