Free State claimed first position at 2023 HESOP camp

According to HESOP, after months of gruelling competition from district, provincial and national levels, Lekgulo Secondary School from Free State Province took first place at the 2023 HESOP camp.

The camp was held by the National Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Basic Education at SANPARK's Golden Gates Highlands National Park in Free State.

The weeklong camp saw the 32 learners from the eight participating schools working tirelessly hard in preparing for their presentations on the research work, says the programme.

In addition to the research topic that the teams had to conduct before the camp, they were further given an impromptu topic following the tour at the Basotho Cultural Village. The students learned about the history, traditions and culture of the Basotho people and experienced their authentic hospitality and entertainment, the programme adds. 

Kimberley Technical School from the Northern Cape took second place. Third place went to J.M. Ntsime Secondary School of North West, and the Jim Chavani School claimed fourth place, HESOP says. 

According to HESOP, all participants titled as 'Heritage Ambassadors' each received certificates with medals courtesy of the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Winners of first place received laptops, and second place received tablets, while the third and fourth-place winners received smartphones.

Dr Thabo Manetsi, executive core business at the National Heritage Council (NHC), says, "HESOP seeks to engender a culture of deep understanding, appreciation and education about the importance of heritage for the benefit of the current and future generations."

Manetsi adds, "Congratulations to every participant of this programme. You're all winners for your selflessness, dedication and commitment throughout. As the born-frees, it is in your hands to utilise the knowledge you have acquired from this programme about our cultural heritage and place heritage as a strategic resource in your communities through the available digital platforms."

For the past 14 years, the National Heritage Council has spearheaded this programme to inculcate a culture of self-appreciation and national identity, adds HESOP. 

"Indeed, heritage is a shared resource. Here we are as entities in the public service together utilising heritage as a strategic resource to build the future generation of this country," says Manetsi. 

Thank you once again, SANParks, South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). As an entity alone, we wouldn’t do this without your support and contribution towards this education outreach programme," adds Manetsi.

HESOP adds that educators from the participating provinces were also awarded acknowledgement certificates for their commitment and dedication to heritage education.

"Knowledge about heritage in their communities during presentations, mostly research, presentation and time management skills as well as teamwork are some of the skills set to prepare the young people part of this programme as future leaders," concludes Manetsi.

For more information, visit www.nac.org.za/success-story/hesop/. You can also follow HESOP on Facebook, X or on Instagram.