Centre for Cultural Heritage and Material Science (CCHMS) Overview

Preamble

The Centre for Cultural Heritage and Material Science (CCHMS) at the University is dedicated to conserving cultural heritage, fostering innovation, and advancing research, consultancy, and community outreach. Its core mission includes integrating arts and cultural initiatives into University projects, aligning with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) outlined in the Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Key objectives of the Centre include:

  • Supporting the creative economy by partnering with stakeholders to build capacity in cultural production, especially among the youth involved in artistic practices.

  • Advancing research on cultural artifacts for sustainability, commercialization, and environmental conservation.

  • Leveraging interdisciplinary approaches by combining archaeology, anthropology, art, history, and material sciences to analyze and conserve historical artifacts and structures.

Located in a region rich in cultural heritage, the University is well-positioned to support local communities by utilizing traditional industries and cultural practices for socio-economic development. The Centre also aims to promote cultural tourism, leveraging sites like Got Ramogi, Kit Mikayi, and Thimlich Ohinga World Heritage Site, among others.

The Centre will drive innovation, research, and community engagement by exploring the impact of cultural heritage on socio-economic growth. It will focus on preserving traditional practices while integrating modern technological solutions for improved access and preservation of cultural materials. By fostering collaborations across disciplines such as health, agriculture, and ICT, the Centre aims to enhance the cultural, social, and economic landscape both regionally and beyond. Additionally, it provides a platform for partnerships and exchange programs to promote cultural heritage research and community development.

University Act Regarding the Centre

 

The organization and administrative structure of the Centre will adhere to the provisions outlined in University Statute XLIII and its relevant Schedules. This will align with the requirements for establishing institutes and directorates, as specified in Statute XLIII, and other statutes such as Statute XXXV, which govern research-related directorates.

Vision

To transform lives through cultural innovations, science, and technology.

 

Mission

To generate, preserve, and transmit knowledge and cultural values to enhance the well-being and sustainability of current and future generations through innovative and practical experiences.

 

 

Pillars

i. Innovating new technologies and methodologies to continuously advance the field of cultural heritage preservation.

ii. Fostering a collaborative environment that unites experts from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

iii. Promoting sustainable practices in managing and preserving cultural heritage.

iv. Preserving cultural and indigenous knowledge through documentation, research, community outreach, and training programs.

 

Strategic Objectives

i. To promote the documentation, collection, protection, and preservation of local cultural materials.
ii. To conduct cultural heritage research and community outreach initiatives.
iii. To establish sustainable partnerships, networks, and collaborations locally, regionally, and globally for cultural heritage activities.
iv. To build human and infrastructural capacity for research, training, scientific development, and skills transfer in cultural heritage.
v. To create a platform for exchange programs and consultancy services on cultural and natural heritage.
vi. To develop, market, and promote cultural heritage products and services for both local and international markets.
vii. To promote gender equity and social inclusivity in the use and management of cultural heritage for sustainable development.

Ongoing Projects

  • JOOUST Cultural Expo 2024: Involves budgeting, securing funding, engaging with stakeholders (including schools, expected participants, and guests), promoting the event, and executing the event plan.
  • Proposal Writing: Preparing proposals to secure funding for various initiatives.
  • MOU Signing: Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with Mama Grace Onyango Social and Cultural Centre.

Research and Innovation Focus

  • Technological Investments: Implementing advanced technologies such as 3D imaging, spectroscopy, and remote sensing for research and conservation purposes.
  • Digital Archives and Virtual Reconstructions: Developing digital archives and virtual models to enhance global access to cultural heritage.

Community Engagement and Impact

We aim to involve the public and increase awareness through:

  • Public Exhibitions, Workshops, and Lectures: These activities will foster cultural heritage appreciation and encourage community participation in leveraging cultural assets for sustainable livelihoods.

Partnerships and Collaborations

We are committed to establishing strong partnerships with:

  • Museums, Universities, Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations, and International Bodies: This includes collaboration with schools within the University, national and county governments, the East African Community, local communities, and UNESCO Chairs to enhance resource sharing and collaborative research.

Future Plans and Objectives

i) Enhancing Preservation Techniques:

  • Developing Advanced Methods: Refining techniques for analyzing, conserving, and restoring cultural heritage materials.
  • Preventive and Interventive Conservation: Focusing on both preventive measures to mitigate deterioration and interventive measures to restore damaged artifacts.

ii) Expanding Educational Outreach:

  • Offering comprehensive training and educational programs for students, professionals, and the public.

iii) Research and Policy Formulation:

  • Engaging in research activities and contributing to policy development in cultural heritage.

iv) Survey and Mapping:

  • Conducting surveys and mapping the cultural heritage potential of the region to create a database for future reference.

v) Cultural Tourism Research:

  • Investigating the potential of cultural tourism to empower communities and alleviate poverty.

vi) Promoting Sustainable and Ethical Practices:

  • Sustainable Conservation: Implementing methods that minimize environmental impact.
  • Ethical Stewardship: Upholding international guidelines, including repatriation protocols.
  • Digital Outreach: Leveraging digital platforms and social media to reach a wider audience.

KEY CONTACT INFORMATION

Email address: cchms@jooust.ac.ke

Dr. Juliet A. Jagero

Coordinator, CCHMS