CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TO THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN MALI

Mali, located at the crossroads of sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean world, has an exceptional cultural heritage, inherited from a long human and political history (Sudanese empires (Ghana, Mali, and Songhoi) and many other states including the Bamanan kingdoms of Ségou and Kaarta, the theocracies toucouleur and peul, the kingdoms of Wassoulou and Kénédougou, and of course the colonial period from the end of the 19th century. This immense cultural heritage is manifested through material remains (archaeological sites, mosques, monuments) and immaterial ones (rites, festivals, knowledge, traditions). Despite this richness, the cultural heritage remains poorly known by populations, especially by young generations and decision-makers. This ignorance leads to harmful behaviours: destruction, abandonment, illicit trafficking, anarchic urbanization, religious intolerance. Young people, often in search of landmarks, are turning away from these goods when they should be the main actors of protection and valorization. However, nowadays, young people represent hope and the future and constitute the majority of the population, thus a strategic asset. That is why it is imperative, today, to involve young people in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. Cultural continuity is at this price. Several questions to know: what is the current state of knowledge of young people’s cultural heritage? What are the causes of the erosion of identity values? How to better involve and educate young people in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in the current socio-cultural context? What is the role and place of cultural identity values in civic construction? Our methodological approach consisted of documentary review and field observation. This paper will first address the transversal approach involving school, family, media and educational institutions, the conversion of the value system into a structured educational program and the involvement of young people in artistic projects, cultural and citizens related to heritage.