by Ajayi Eniye Evelyn
Museum, according to the International Council of Museums (ICOM) 2022, is a non-profit permanent institution in the service of the society that researches, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage open to the public, accessible and inclusive. Museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities offering diverse and varied expression for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.
From the above elaborate definition, it is clear that one of the primary functions of the museum is to educate people (museum visitors) about different aspects of our cultural life. This role rests with the Museum Education Department. The department does not only play host to fun and knowledge seekers but also carries its service to the academic environment – primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
The Museum Education Department usually goes to schools where it teaches skills such as pottery, weaving, tie & dye, bead making, hand fan making and souvenirs. The department has craft clubs in many secondary schools. In collaboration with the school teachers, it organizes training programmes and sensitization exercises where the interest of the young students is greatly stimulated. The outcomes of these programmes are mind-blowing and uniquely outstanding.
The Benin Museum is at the forefront of this revolution. Apart from going to different schools to culturally impact the students, the museum usually organizes holiday programmes and skill acquisition workshops for students and teachers in the Benin City metropolis. Many students and parents usually look up to the long holiday with high hopes as their children and wards are meaningfully engaged by staff of the Museum Education Department.
During the programme, students are exposed to different skills and training such as the ones already listed above. Also, the students are taken through guided tour of the three floors of the Benin Museum exhibit gallery, where they are given firsthand information and knowledge about the various collections on display. The well-equipped and informed museum educator educates the students and tells them the stories behind the collections in such a way that a long-lasting impression is created in them.
More so, during the holiday programme, the students are given lectures on topical issues, career talks, cultural orientation and morals. These have gone a long way in creating positive impact on our students. It has also helped in removing their mind (attention) from bad thoughts and habits as well as in reshaping their minds for positive ventures and away from vices. This initiative of the Museum Education Department is no doubt a very right step in the right direction. It has reinforced the notion that education does not just end in the frontiers of the school environment but goes far beyond that.
