Until recently Africa’s rich fossil remains have been the treasured possessions of a few select scientists, however through the dedicated work of PAST, this knowledge is now being shared with the world. During the Apartheid years there was a ban against the teaching of evolution in South African public schools and it was not included in the national curriculum. Darwinian evolution is one of the cornerstones of modern science and the lack of evolutionary teaching meant that many children were denied this basic knowledge. In addition, learners were not made aware of South Africa and Africa’s crucial role in the development of modern Homo sapiens and the fact that Africa is the cradle of humankind.

The concept of human evolution is of vital importance not only to science, but also to humankind in general to enable us to understand ourselves and the world we live in. What makes us human and why we behave the way we do are fascinating questions which help us understand our past and enable us to plan our future more effectively. Global contemporary issues such as poverty, violence, lack of education and overpopulation are issues which require an understanding of humankind and in turn this requires an understanding of our evolution. Evolution as a topic not only allows learners to place themselves in the context of the broader world but also forms part of the many different scientific disciplines in both the natural and social sciences. Understanding our approximately 7 million years of human evolution places learners in a position to understand why we are where we are in the global world today, and also how we as modern humans are destroying our environment. It also reveals the incredible development of technology through history and how it has affected us.

Walking Tall sparks an interest in the palaeo sciences as a career and an area of science that offers African scientists a unique niche in global terms. In addition, the aim is to cultivate young learners who understand the significance of Africa’s unparalleled palaeo heritage and wish to promote, protect and preserve these treasures.

‘Walking Tall’ has performed to over half a million learners and educators to date, both locally and internationally. The basic premise of the project is the use of theatre, across language and cultural barriers, to teach difficult scientific concepts (such as human evolution) and to engage and excite the audience with regards to palaeo sciences.

Broad Aims and Objectives

  • Developing palaeo sciences as a niche where African scientists can be internationally competitive. Hereby raising the quantity and quality of African science research output.
  • To establish palaeo sciences as a career choice for young learners.
  • To promote and support Arts, Culture and Heritage within the community, the country and the continent.
  • To build capacity in the areas of education, research and arts and culture.
  • To promote the concept of common origins of humankind and celebrate diversity through science and arts, culture and heritage programmes.
  • To ensure, through our outreach programmes and collaborations that the palaeo sciences serve as a national identity and nation builder. To promote Africa’s achievements which enhance our self-esteem as a nation and continent.
  • To support public awareness efforts to enhance the understanding of the significance of palaeo sciences.
  • To rectify gender and racial inequalities in the science and provide support to increasing numbers of black students and researchers.
  • To further develop our pan-African strategy and to support training of students and researchers from other African countries.
  • To encourage an extended learning process through programmes promoting dialogue as a way of precluding prejudicial attitudes about race, religion, beliefs and culture.
Specific Objectives
  • To facilitate the understanding of evolution
  • To inspire learners about the palaeo sciences including archaeology, palaeo-anthropology and palaeontology
  • To demonstrate how science ‘works’ – the process of scientific enquiry
  • To encourage learners to pursue careers in science
  • To assist educators in teaching evolution in the classroom
  • To supplement the curriculum through additional resources
  • To overcome resistance to the teaching of evolution
  • To inspire teachers and learners about the compatibility of science and art
  • To provide skills and tools for both learners and educators in the areas of palaeo sciences
  • To assist learners and educators to appreciate that scientific understanding is important and that science is a part of our everyday lives. Understanding science allows us to live better lives with more personal confidence and fulfilment. Even though a learner may not choose to become a scientist, science, will assist in allowing them to understand and operate effectively within their life journeys
Methods
  • Using theatre to teach difficult science concepts
  • Providing curriculum based resources
  • Educators and learner workshops
  • Collaboration with other educational organisations
  • Collaboration with scientists
  • Interactive and engaging – wrapping science in a package which stimulates all senses
  • Integrating Science, Arts & Culture
  • Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective outcomes
Process
  • Educator workshops
  • Performance of Walking Tall production at schools, museums, community theatres and other venues
  • 40 minute show incorporating story of life on earth
  • Followed by learner workshop and viewing of mobile exhibit incorporating Malapa and other fossils and resources
  • Curriculum based resources distributed to educators

Monitoring and Evaluation
A self-initiated evaluation process has been implemented in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand. This includes an evaluation of the learner response to the production, a revision of the educators’ booklet, a revision of the questionnaires, and a determination of the efficacy of the project on a short and long term basis.

A comprehensive vetting process enabled the executive to obtain the services of qualified and experienced individuals to design and manage our monitoring and evaluation strategy. Professor Cynthia Kros, formerly of the School of Social Sciences at Wits University, and recently appointed at the School of Arts and Jane O’Connell of the Wits School of Education are executing the evaluation process.
 
 
Walking Tall Educational Theatre Project People:
 
  UNDER CONSTRUCTION