Kwesi Aane Koomson from Ghana was selected to represent Ghana at the World Heritage Youth Forum in South Africa. Over the course of a week, Kwesi and participants from other African countries learned about World Heritage sites, conservation efforts, and youth involvement through presentations, group projects, and cultural exchanges. The forum culminated in the participants drafting the African Youth Declaration calling for investment in heritage sites and greater youth participation. Kwesi formed strong friendships with participants and gained valuable experience that he hopes to apply toward heritage promotion efforts back home in Ghana.

1. MY CHERISHED MEMORIES,
WORLD HERITAGE YOUTH FORUM IN RETROSPECT
By Kwesi Aane Koomson
(Ghana’s Representative)
The Participants and Organisers of the Forum
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Browsing through the internet as usual one day, I chanced upon the link calling for
applications. I quickly seized the opportunity and followed the link to the site. To my surprise the
requirements were so much that I gave up. In my mind‟s eye, printing, filling, getting a
supervisor‟s endorsement, as well as writing a motivational letter, curriculum vitae, a
recommendation and a two minutes video, all to be submitted to an email within the short period,
were the main fears that put me off.
However, something kept me on to apply after two days. Grudgingly but with hope, I went back
to it and started to work. I downloaded the forms and filled my portion got a supervisor who
endorsed and recommended me heartily.

2. I wrote the motivation but left with the video of which I was handicapped. After much
brainstorming I got a camera and a videographer – a good one at that. After a few rehearsals, I
got my message brief and tasked my friend to shoot the video for me.
The next challenge was to convert the video to flv. I got a converter, gathered all the documents
together, scanned them and finally uploaded, sending them successfully. Lo, it was the last day
of the submission actually!
IN ANTICIPATION
In suspense for two months, an email informing me of the success of my application was
received. I was in disbelief until more preparatory messages towards the trip and other
correspondences gave me more information on prior preparation providing me with sponsorship,
invitation and accommodation letters.
Preparations started in earnest for my South African visa which came through successfully. I was
so happy not because I was the only one to represent my beloved Ghana but because it was going
to be my first trip to South Africa, the brave land of Mandela, the African hero just like
Nkrumah.
I did my prior PowerPoint presentation on World Heritage Sites in Ghana, some important
tourist centres and cultures of the Ghanaian people. I packed some traditional clothes depicting
Ghana –full piece Kente cloth (representing the Southern people) and a Smock (representing the
Northern part). With joy I informed few colleagues, work mates, families and my boss of my
short departure to Robben Island, South Africa.
FLIGHT TIME
Since my flight was scheduled in the morning of Wednesday 27th
of April I had to travel from
Takoradi to Accra to sleep over. Early in the morning I was prompt at the Kotoka International
Airport ready to go.
Eight hours on board was quite boring but I did well to entertain myself with movies, music and
looking at the world below in the clouds once a while through the glassy screen.
JOHANNESBURG AT LAST
I arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 7pm. After checking out, I
identified my hotel which was just at the premise of the airport. I booked in, went for a quick rest
and later for dinner. There, I met Mohamed Fakih Chum, another participant from Zanzibar,
Tanzania who it was easy to spot out since he was the youngest person at the buffet area and
appeared to be new. We were happy to meet each other having learnt about each other on the
WhatsApp group formed by us.

3. DOWN CAPE TOWN
The next morning, I was a little late but not enough to miss my flight since I had a little over an
hour to take my bath and with my luggage went for breakfast and checked out. I went back to
OR Tambo Airport, Africa‟s busiest, and it was a bit difficult. I was able to find my terminal
though and through the checks boarded the plane to Cape Town. The cape and mountains of this
beautiful city like a fairy tale welcomed me with an overview of the Island I was finally going to
visit later.
At the waiting belt, I noticed two guys conversing, and by impulse knew they belonged to the
forum so I approached them and voila, it was true! One was Sineke Sibanda from Zimbabwe and
the other Rebaone Sechogo from the host country. Here was fun galore for three of us.
At the waiting area we met others already arrived before us. Although I was feeling cold by the
weather, I still felt at home making up with others from other countries. Few minutes later we
joined a shuttle to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where we went into the Nelson Mandela
Gateway (NMG) to Robben Island. We waited a while at the NMG auditorium and went out
around Waterfront for site seeing and exchanged our monies. We came back to the auditorium in
the afternoon where the next batch had arrived for lunch.
Meeting of organisers and all participants on the first day at NMG
ROBBEN ISLAND AT LAST
We later joined a ferry, ready for sail to the iconic Robben Island. It was a nice cruising of about
an hour and everyone loved it. We were greeted by the screeches and hoots of birds upon
reaching the Morris Harbour where we joined a bus taking us to the Multi-Purpose Learning
Centre (MPLC). This was a nice place with large dormitories, single rooms, library, conference,
dining and an open area. We learnt the place was formerly a prison for criminals before being
converted to a learning centre. All ladies were placed in one dormitory at one end with the
gentlemen in one common dorm on the other side.

4. The introductory aspect of the program started with a bit of housekeeping and then a formal
section where we were supposed to introduce ourselves doing something to cause others to
remember us. There I saw the African in us as some did short cultural displays, singing, and yet
others reciting poetry and rap. I did a simple song from Ghana which attracted cheers.
OFFICIAL OPENING
Friday, 29th
April, was the official opening ceremony and we woke up early to catch the first
boat at 6am. We all dressed in our national costumes. I wore my full piece Kente and jumper
with ahenema (traditional sandals). It was a glaring sight to see others also in their traditional
attire. An old boat Dias, used to convey workers early in the morning was our means of
transport this time. Most participants felt sea sick and spewed.
We arrived at NMG, took breakfast and got started with the programme. There were in
attendance high profile dignitaries from the Ministries, African World Heritage Fund (AWHF),
UNESCO, Robben Island Museum (RIM) and State Officials from nearby countries and Ex
Political Prisoners (EPP‟s) of the Island. There was a video delivery from Dr Mechtild Rössler
(Director, UNESCO Division for Heritage and World Heritage Centre), and deliveries from
Camela Quin, UNESCO, Mava Dada and Pascal Taruvinga (from RIM), Pamela Mac Quilkan
(AWHF) and Hon. Derek Henekom, Minister of Tourism, South Africa. We were made to
express our experience so far and our expectations. We then had a group picture together in our
traditional clothes after the session.
Group picture at the opening ceremony in front of NMG
After a coffee break when the dignitaries were gone, we came for the second section which was
mostly PowerPoint presentations of the workings of UNESCO, the Heritage Convention, AWHF
and RIM. There was a question and answer forum where we learnt a lot, about World Heritage

5. Sites, what Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) meant, how a site can become a World Heritage
and Tentative List. We were introduced to the main functions of the AWHF and why it was
established as well as more about the Island, how it came to exist and the various changes and
transitions that had gone on there.
A briefing of the activities for the days ahead was relayed and we boarded a ferry to the island on
a fun filled cruise again. We took super after which we did our presentations about Heritage sites
and tourist centres in our individual home countries. Issues concerning tourism sectors and
initiatives involving the youth back home were brought into limelight.
Heanneah from Liberia and myself in our traditional attire

6. ACTIVITIES OF SUBSEQUENT DAYS
Presentations continued 30th
April, Saturday, for the few participants left before breakfast, after
which we took a tour of the Maximum Security Prison. With the assistance of Mr Thulani
Mabaso, a former political prisoner himself, we toured the various sections. A vivid description
and explanation of what went on there; the maltreatments, sufferings and above all the brotherly
love that kept them together against all odds were recounted. This included the silent clapping or
rubbing and the “Each One Teach One” mantra which helped them as prisoners. Herein comes
the essence of the word “Ubuntu” meaning each one the brother‟s keeper. This relates to
“Nkonsonkonson” (Chain-link) the Adinkra symbol that signifies the power of brotherhood or
unity in Ghanaian culture.
Tour at the Maximum Security Prison
We visited Nelson Mandela‟s prison cell and others of high profile persons in the prison. Even
till now one can feel the suffering and hardship that went on there, which can be compared to the
Forts and Castles on the coasts of Ghana, the last stop where slaves were maltreated before
transported to the Americas.
We walked to the limestone quarry afterwards, one of the grounds where prisoners suffered. We
were instructed to carry a stone each along walking to the site. There I saw a pile of stones which
is a monument called Isivivane (pile of stones) from Nelson Mandela and other former prisoners
of the island as a symbol when there was a reunion of former prisoners back on the island few
years after it was closed down.

7. Ms Vanessa Mitchell of RIM started our Isivivane by writing on her stone her challenges and
aspirations for the future, after which she shared with us, placing it on the ground. One after the
other all participants shared their written statements on their stones and placed them on each
other. Ms Pamela Mac Quilkan was the last to share hers and ended our pile.
After a short briefing about the site we returned to the MPLC. On our way I was much relieved
having buried all my problems, hoping for the best in the days ahead knowing that in life one has
to always let go in order to move on. Once you keep bitterness along, you still carry loads that
hold you down.
The Isivivane on the left, our Isivivane top right and myself bottom right
At MPLC, we grouped into four teams for the practical field work with each having an
assignment. Mine was Group Three dealing with Physical environment. With our group
supervisor Mr Gershon Manana, we made out some proposals on the adaptive reuse of old and
deteriorating buildings on the Island to meaningful use. After super we were guided by the
multimedia team including Ms Carmela on good videoing for applications of such programmes,
where a variety of videos were shown. Comments and discussions were allowed, thus ending us
for the day.
Next day, Sunday1st
May, we continued sharing ideas on our project, visited the site to get a
vivid view to practicalise what we wanted to do. We proposed the old power station be used as a
museum whiles the Alpha one, a one-stop for snacks and rest to be expanded for
accommodation. We took pictures and later prepared our PowerPoint presentations which were
delivered in the evening.

8. Group three (3) members above and during the presentation below
After super was a superb night with the Ex Political Prisoners (EPPs) represented by Mr Timothy
Nxumalo who told us various stories of his experiences before arrested, imprisoned and finally
freed. His experiences included poetry recitals from his book “Still We Rise”, he charged the
atmosphere with freedom songs which got us all on our feet, chanting and jumping. That was
enough for the night.
Monday 2nd
May, saw us at the „Residency‟ for the UNESCO Youth Model of the World
Heritage Committee. Each person had a role to play either as Chair, Vice Chair, Rapporteur and
others as State Parties for a country other than one‟s own. I was for State Party South Africa and
from the morning till evening deliberated on issues defending Robben Island and South Africa.
Some of the issues were the construction of underwater bridge to link the island to the main land,
the solar panel farm and management issues among others. This led to me gaining the accolade
“CEO” of Robben Island after the Youth Model because I strongly defended the island as if I
was a staff or Board Member and knew the workings of the Iconic site. I made use of the short
coffee breaks to convince other state parties to be on my side on the deliberation.

9. Kwesi seated at the UNESCO Youth Model
At the end of the day, some of the deliberations were accepted by the committee, while others
were amended and the rest adjourned. The day ended with gifts of T-shirts from African Union
to be worn for the tour of Cape Town the next day.
Tuesday took us to the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town in a red double decker bus since
going to the Mother City without a visit to the Mountain is like going to Giza in Egypt without
visiting the Pyramids. In Cape Town the Table Mountain represents freedom and liberty while
the Island signifies isolation, suffering and adversity. We went up the mountain in a cable lift and
explored the place. It was fun being up there with the clouds and whirling winds passing around
us. What a panoramic sight to behold! Passioned with music and explanations on sections of the
city, we enjoyed our trip back to Waterfront.

10. Wilson from Zambia on the Island looking towards the beautiful city of Cape Town and the Table Mountain
THE AFRICAN YOUTH DECLARATION
After lunch we received new groupings for drafting the African Youth Declaration. It was four
groups in all, each group was to present issues and concerns that they believed must be addressed
with improvements they expect to see relating to Heritage in Africa, more importantly rules and
initiatives that will favour the African Youth and the African Heritage.
Back to the island in the evening, two persons each from the four groups constituted a board
which sat to cancel out, simplify and combine the four drafts into one that will stand as the
African Youth Declaration on World Heritage. Being one of the eight member board we worked
into the wee hours before getting the final draft document which urged for investment into world
heritage sites, youth involvement and employment and curtailing illicit trafficking of artefacts.
Wednesday, found all participants with the supervision of the panel editing the draft to get the
final document. After this tussle, we went to John Craig Hall in the afternoon in our traditional
attires for the closing ceremony.
CLOSING CEREMONY
I wore this time the Smock, which is Ghana‟s second traditional garb. To crown the ceremony
was the presence of Ms Rejoice Thizwilondi Mabudafhasi, the Deputy Minister of Arts and
Culture, South Africa and few dignitaries. There was a group song by all participants after which

11. others presented a cultural display. The African Youth Declaration was also read and finally the
presentation of certificates to all participants. A group picture including the Deputy Minister and
the staff for the programme was taken.
Receiving my certificate
CULTURAL NIGHT
The final night, each participant displayed the culture of his/her home country. Some were
cultural displays while others were music with dance and recitals. It was finally crowned with a
small party where we enjoyed music, dancing and food. It was with mixed feelings as we hugged
each other, exchanged contacts and goodwill messages waiting for another occasion if it could
ever be.

12. Myself in the Ghanaian Smock on left and Sineke in Zimbabwean Amabhetshu outfit on the right
HOME AT LAST
I woke to find I was to be in the very last batch to leave the island for Cape Town en route for
home Ghana. We waited at the Cape Town International Airport where we were individually
waiting for our flights. One of the most difficult things to do now was leaving my new friends in
the last batch behind. I was so much in a reverie that I almost missed my flight and had to hurry
up to skip queues to board. I was actually the last person the plane was waiting for.
Arriving in Johannesburg I went to the same hotel but different room this time. The next
morning, I saw Vanessa Nsona of Malawi who I learnt also lodged there. We kept company till
she left earlier. Late in the evening I joined my return flight back to Accra only to have a call that
Vanessa had to leave the following day for missing her flight. An irony of circumstances all
sending down memories of time! The only way we can now hear of each other is by social
media. There are discussions to plan for a reunion among ourselves in the near future but for
now, we are busy doing our own businesses and planning for projects that would help
“Increasing Youth Involvement in the Promotion and Protection of African World Heritage”
in our respective countries, since that was the theme of our forum.

13. Kwesi Aane Koomson on the Robben Island
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
From the depths of my heart, the impact of this forum is very huge looking at the many things
these 23 ambassadors learnt and the lasting ripple effects on their countries. About half of the
total world population are youth under 30 years but their involvement and engagement in
heritage issues is very minimal. I see these kinds of forums are a step in the right direction to
encourage and increase youth involvement. It creates networking among young minds across
different countries, cultures and backgrounds to deliberate and share their diverse ideas and
experiences.
It is also very informative and serves as capacity building looking at the very important things
they learn during the period. It is a whole experience too, on its own, to meet up in a different
environment with other dynamic young brains to plan and contribute to continental or global
issues. Lastly, there is a lot of networking among participants and organisations without which
there would have been no connections between them. I would also commend our sponsors for
sending one of us, Njeri Mbure from Kenya to the main event at Istanbul, Turkey this July to
have a feel of the main UNESCO activity.

14. Finally, it is my hope that both Francophone and Anglophone forums are held together with
translators to assist with language barriers and should be organised every year.
I wrote this article after the forum and it received massive admirations which led it being
published on UNESCO and AWHF websites and also got featured in Furnace journal. Below are
some links:
http://awhf.net/testimony-youth-forum/
https://issuu.com/furnacejournal/docs/furnace_issue_4/1
http://ameyawdebrah.com/young-ghanaian-ceo-kwesi-aane-koomson-excels-african-world-
heritage-program/
The African Youth Declaration on World Heritage (FINAL) 4th May 2016 is attached.

15. African World Heritage Regional Youth Forum
Increasing youth involvement in the promotion and protection of African World Heritage
28th
April – 4th
May 2016
Robben Island World Heritage Property, South Africa
Robben Island, 4 May 2016
AFRICAN YOUTH DECLARATION ON WORLD HERITAGE
We, the participants of the 1st
Anglophone African World Heritage Regional Youth Forum (Robben Island
World Heritage site, 2016) express our sincere gratitude to the African World Heritage Fund, the
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Robben Island
Museum, for giving us the opportunity to be part of an amazing experience. This will enable us to share
our knowledge and skills of World Heritage with the wider community.
The experience was engaging and opened our minds to procedures and discussions related to the
significance of heritage conservation for sustainable development in implementing the 1972 UNESCO
World Heritage Convention. The iconic Robben Island World Heritage site deepened our understanding
and passion for conserving the priceless legacies that encompass ancestral values of cultural and natural
heritage throughout the African continent. Moreover, we learned the importance of perseverance in
addressing the many challenges facing Africa. This we hold dear to our hearts and we will never forget.
Africa faces many challenges that affect her heritage: rapid infrastructure development, illicit trafficking,
climate change, conflict situations and lack of investment in heritage and many others. We consider that
the lack of investment in African youth is one of the biggest constraints limiting our participation in the
efforts to balance development and conservation. We shall take it upon ourselves to engage other
youths, heritage experts and national and local governments in our respective 23 countries to pursue
conversations around heritage conservation. In this respect, the “each one teach one” practice used by
ex-political prisoners who were confined on Robben Island Prison should be widely promoted.

16. Even though local communities living around heritage sites are essential stakeholders in the
conservation of their heritage, they are usually excluded in decision-making processes. We propose that
State Parties raise awareness among youths in local communities through cross-cultural exchange
training programmes; scholarships, internships, online engagement and workshops to increase their
capacity to advocate for World Heritage conservation and sustainable management. We believe that
heritage-sensitive youths from local communities should be given priority in employment processes.
This will not only empower them but can also contribute to combatting the illicit trafficking of cultural
goods and repatriating stolen African heritage artifacts in accordance with the 1970 UNESCO Convention
on illicit trafficking and the upcoming African Union model law on the Protection of Cultural Property
and/or Heritage.
African youth engagement can also be enhanced by creating youth committees both at national and
regional levels. They shall be responsible for developing an African Youth Model of the World Heritage
Committee as well as creating and monitoring heritage awareness projects and activities in all African
countries. Such committees will contribute to sustainable World Heritage conservation as well as
providing adequate information on heritage and creating innovative extra curricula activities that
engage youths.
We are also concerned that in many African countries heritage education is not emphasized in school
curricula. We therefore recommend that States Parties introduce and/or emphasize heritage education
from basic to secondary levels. Education is paramount to building awareness and developing passion
for heritage. We believe that education is a vital tool in involving youths proactively in heritage-related
issues. Furthermore, integration of African heritage education at institutions of higher learning is
advised. This is to say that heritage education should not be only limited to heritage within one’s own
country but should rather encompass heritage of other African countries. Also, we suggest a 50 per cent
discount on admission fees for African youths visiting World Heritage sites in Africa. These measures will
bring us one step closer to realizing the aspiration of ‘one Africa’.
In order to fully reflect the ideas of all African youths, we recommend that the outcomes of other future
African World Heritage Youth Forums be combined with those of the present forum.
Thank you!