CURTAIN RAISER PRESS STATEMENT

TAMCODE, UNESCO, and Alwaleed Philanthropies to Convene a Dialogue to Develop a Guideline for Enacting By-Laws on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Katavi and Rukwa, Tanzania

The Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), in collaboration with the UNESCO-Alwaleed Philanthropies Project, will engage by-law makers from January 29, 2025, to February 4, 2025, in Mpanda District (Katavi region) and Sumbawanga District (Rukwa region) to promote intangible cultural heritage.

This engagement aims to facilitate discussions and develop a guideline for enacting by-laws that will serve as an advocacy tool for incorporating intangible cultural heritage-related issues. The goal is to promote cultural heritage and foster employment opportunities for youth and women in Tanzania.

The activity is conducted under the project titled “Crafting Change: Fostering Community-Based Development through Culture-Related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Employment.” This initiative seeks to create economic opportunities—especially for youth and women—while preserving Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.

A Global Initiative for Sustainable Development

This grant initiative is part of a broader three-year partnership between UNESCO and Alwaleed Philanthropies, aligning with the recently adopted Global Framework for Culture and Arts Education. The framework prioritizes:

  • The role of arts and culture in driving sustainable development
  • Promoting ethical innovation
  • Nurturing creativity, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and professional growth

About Alwaleed Philanthropies

Led by H.R.H. Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Alwaleed Philanthropies supports and collaborates on projects and campaigns with various philanthropic, governmental, and educational organizations to:

  • Combat poverty
  • Empower women and youth
  • Support community livelihoods
  • Provide disaster relief
  • Foster intercultural understanding

Key Attendees

The sessions will be graced by:

  • His Lordship the Mayor of Sumbawanga District
  • His Lordship the Mayor of Mpanda District
  • Cultural officers
  • Traditional leaders

About Katavi and Rukwa Regions

Katavi and Rukwa regions are among Tanzania’s “Big Five” food-producing regions, often referred to as the food basket due to their high agricultural productivity. These regions record bumper harvests in:

  • Maize
  • Rice
  • Groundnuts
  • Millet
  • Beans

Additionally, they are rich in natural resources, including:

  • National parks
  • Minerals
  • Unique fish species
  • Tourist attractions such as Kalambo Falls (Rukwa region), Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Rukwa

Accessibility

Although sometimes considered hard to reach, the two regions are accessible via:

  • Central railway line
  • Tarmac road
  • Air travel to Mpanda (with future plans for air access to Sumbawanga District)

For Inquiries

📞 Rose Ngunangwa – TAMCODE Executive Director (+255 715 286 671)