Supporting Inanda Seminary in preserving its historical resources

Sandile Qwabe | Staff writer | September 20, 2012

Ambassador Donald Gips and Inanda Seminary principal Judy Tate celebrate the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation R250,000 with students

Inanda Seminary students are delighted to meet Ambassador Donald Gips

On September 20, the U.S. Ambassador Donald Gips awarded a grant of over $30,000 (more than R250,000) to Inanda Seminary to help preserve its valuable archives and historical resources, including the portions of joint history of KwaZulu-Natal and the United States.

Funded under the Department of State’s 2012 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the ground-breaking project, titled “Preservation of the 19th and Early 20th Century Archives of Inanda Seminary,” seeks to establish a professional, accredited local history museum and archival repository.

Since its creation by the U.S. Congress in 2001, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial support to more than 700 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries. By supporting the preservation of these and other special sites, objects, and traditions, the Ambassadors Fund helps extend their value as vital, defining elements of communities and nations; and enables their continued use, enjoyment, and relevance both today and for generations to come.

Principal Judy Tate said the financial injection will enable the school to use the latest technology to prevent loss of its valuable history.

“We are delighted that the United States has remained with us for over 140 years of our existence. Our school has produced a number of respected women leaders and we don’t want to lose that legacy,” said Tate.

The school boasts a long list of eminent alumni, including chairman of the African National Congress (ANC) and former president of South Africa Baleka Mbethe.

Former student and chairperson of the school’s board of directors Bongekile Dlomo thanked the American people for their continued support. Dlomo recounted how the school has managed to stay afloat amid many challenges, including among others, facing the danger of closure. Funding is awarded, on a globally competitive basis, to proposals that contribute to the protection of historical sites, collections, and traditional forms of cultural expression that are in danger of being lost. For further information about the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, check the following weblink http://exchanges.state.gov/heritage/index.html