Experience, and Preserve, the Culture of Kenya with Heritage Conservation Network

Dec. 1, 2008 - PRLog -- This February, travelers joining HCN in the World Heritage site of Lamu, Kenya, for a hands-on building conservation workshop will learn about coral rag construction and other traditional crafts, such as calligraphy and dhow building. They will also discover why continued survival of these crafts is so important to the region.

During the two-week workshop, participants will help restore a masonry home using traditional knowledge and techniques. The preservation of this knowledge is as essential as its application to the buildings themselves. Modern construction techniques damage Lamu’s masonry buildings, but the traditional trades and crafts are dying out among the local population. HCN volunteers will thus be critical to preserving multiple aspects of Lamu’s extraordinary history and culture.  The city is one of the original Swahili city states of East Africa formed by Arab traders. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kenya and the only coastal settlement to retain its original character.

This workshop is in partnership with the Lamu World Heritage Site and Conservation Office, the Organization of World Heritage Cities – East Africa Network, UNESCO, Architectural Association of Kenya, Nairobi University, and CHIDA & RISSEA.  Volunteers will focus on one of the few remaining historic residences within the old town of Lamu still owned by a local family. Local crafts and trades people will participate in the project as well. Workshop organizers hope to spark a renewed appreciation for such arts in both the local community and the East African region as a whole.

The workshop is scheduled for February 8-21, 2009; registration is open through January 20, 2009 or until the trip fills. To be sure of a spot, register soon. For complete information about this amazing volunteer vacation opportunity in Kenya, see www.heritageconservation.net/ws-lamu.htm.

# # #

About HCN
Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN’s workshops support community-based preservation projects and give volunteers the opportunity to give something back by helping to protect valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about HCN’s international workshops, visit www.heritageconservation.net.