Learning with Granny!
Granny at the World Summit on Sustainability
You have probably heard all about it on television or
read about it in the newspapers, but the Earth Summit, also known as the World
Summit on Sustainability was the largest such conference bringing thousands of
people from all walks of life, politicians and policy makers together from
across the world to decide on an important plan for Earth and its people - the
plan of ensuring sustainability. The Summit aims to bring about change which
will benefit people and Earth in the areas of health, water, agriculture,
biodiversity and energy resources.
 In
every corner of South Africa, people worked and prepared for the important Earth
Summit on Sustainability. People around South Africa put up a United front
to share South Africa with visitors who arrived - some for the very first time -
on African soil.
 Many
different ethnic groups proudly displayed their varied cultures and performed
their traditional dances for the enthusiastic audiences who were eager to learn
more of the heritage of Africa. (Click on the picture to the right to see the
full image)
This month Granny takes a break from her story 'The
Origin of Man' to share some experiences from her time at the Summit. There she
met people who are bringing across the important message of sustainability in a
creative and interesting way.
 At
the Summit she met a group of people who lived in a Tipi Village to create
an awareness of the similarities between the different cultures around the
world. The Native American tipi was used mainly by nomadic Indians of the Great
Plains. (click on the picture to the right to see the full image). The tipis are
grouped in a 'medicine wheel' layout. The medicine wheel is a Native American
tool for storytelling and spiritual practice. The wheel consists of a circle,
traditionally marked with stones, with points at the four directions of the
compass.
The four directions are associated with the four
elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
In the center is the fifth element - the spirit that is the essence of
existence. They represent the themes which were discussed at the Summit.
Water = the water shortage in the world.
Earth = land degradation
Air = air pollution
Fire = global warming
Spirit = the power to address poverty and excessive
consumption.
One of the important questions at the Summit was 'What
can science do to help stabilize our Earth?' and of
course "What can man do to help?'
A North American visitor to the Summit tried to answer
this with the 'The Ark of Hope' a large wooden box which she had brought to the
Summit. This beautiful wooden box , covered on all sides with paintings - each
with a specific meaning for the Summit, has two large wooden handles to carry it
- just like the chest containing the Ten Commandments, the pot of manna and
Aaron's rod in the Bible.
But this box they called the Ark of Hope contains a
huge copy of The Earth Charter and
numerous bright books written and illustrated by children around the world. Each
is a message of what the child 's hopes for the future are. During their stay,
the Ark went from school to school where pupils could add to the collection of
'hopes' in the Ark.
What would your hope be for the future of the
world?
There will continue to be much media coverage
surrounding the World Summit on sustainability. Listen and read the media
coverage on this very important event and think about how you envision the
world, and how you can make a difference towards making the Earth a more
sustainable place.
Next month we will return to our trip through Time and
learn of Africa's importance in 'the origin of man'.
Welcome to The 'Prodigal Sons'
Africa opens up her doors to greet the visitors from
distant shores
Enjoy the wonders of our country vast - take away with you memories to last
We welcome you all and are glad you have come
We speak many languages - but in voice we are one.
Many will debate and repeat the refrain
Of the importance of Man's part in Earth's life to sustain.
We'll learn much from these women and men
Who might recognize from way back when
The signs of the earliest 'footprint' of Man
In Africa - where it's said life long ago began.
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Ours is a land of peace and hope - each child has a song to be sung
The children who's 'fathers' came from the North are 'golden - bronzed' in the
sun.
The colourful people of East, who came to our shores in the past
Bringing their skills and their culture and a heritage rooted to last.
The ancient Arabic people, who practice their traditional skills
They follow the words of The Prophet and pray on their knees to the 'Hills'
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The people who's blood has mingled, way back in the
distant past
Who's colourful history will link them to the 'Prodigal Son's' of the past
The remnants of distant relations of the oldest nation of Man
A rapidly diminishing nation of hunters - the Khoi, Bushman or San
The many Black nations who came from one and entered the South from the North
Divided and spread in the land of the sun. In the South, many sons they brought
forth.
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We don't have pyramids, temples or ruins, to tell of civilizations long gone
We do have people - happy and well - proudly sharing their history in song..
Many 'Prodigal Son's' made their way around Earth and can be recorded still
living.
Their cultures link with their common birth - so much light in the 'gene-pool'
they're giving
There are many descendants on Earth today, scattered in distant lands
Some live in thriving communities, while others are just small tribes or bands.
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Some left monuments to their glory - others just a
few stone tools
Many put thoughts of their life in their art, which has taught us some of their
rules
If we follow the paths of the journey's of Man, we see how from natures he's
learned
How the Earth and sky were his 'map of life' His respect for their teaching
confirmed.
South Africa's not a 'melting pot' though it's children are from near and far
They must be encouraged to know what they've got and remember with pride who
they are.
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Those who's roots tell of African birth and the 'Prodigal sons' - who were
scattered round Earth
Are united now in this prosperous land to face a 'golden future' - hand in hand.
Be proud of your colour
Be proud of your past
Enter the future.
Together at last.
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Leave only your footprints but capture the beauty
To sustain our Earth is every Man's duty
Return to Africa whenever you can
It's your Home, it's your past
It's 'The Cradle of Man.'
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Jennifer Leigh Marais September 2002
Over the next few months look forward to meeting
Mrs Ples, Taung's 'baby' and find out about Toumaļ, a recent discovery in Chad.
If you would like to e-mail Granny
your questions and ideas please do so at granny@scienceinafrica.co.za
Until Next Month, Happy Reading!
Granny Jenny
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