THE ULWAZI APPROACH
Ulwazi prides itself on providing customised, culturally-based and culturally-relevant, interactive experiences which:
- offer a user-friendly, hands-on stimulating experience to challenge and excite learners and visitors: about themselves, their world and the world they may create
- provide an understanding of the presence and value of science, technology, culture and heritage in all aspects of livelihood, particularly with regard to satisfying basic needs (e.g. safety and security, water, food, and clothing)
- meet the priorities of reconstruction and development (education, health and housing) and promote self actualization (arts, culture, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship)
- link past and present; bridging indigenous and exogenous influences.
Ulwazi distinguishes itself on the basis of a process that aims to develop a unique product, including:
- community and stakeholder participation in the design, development, construction and operations
- customising each facility uniquely to the community environment/needs
- ensuring scientific, cultural and educational authenticity and integrity
- combining/integrating science/technology with culture/heritage and socio economic facets
From a science and technology perspective, it should be noted that a study that Ulwazi carried out in 2004 for the South African Department of Science and Technology provided an audit of existing science centres in South Africa and permitted visits to more than 60 centres and organisations on five other continents. Ulwazi is thus familiar the variables and trends that allow for the successful development and operations of interactive centres, programmes and other activities.