Niguss Gitaw Baraki

Ethiopia hosts some of the most world-renowned prehistoric heritage in the world. The fossil and archaeological record from Ethiopia has transformed what we know about our history from the earliest hominins through to the appearance of modern humans. There are two interconnected challenges that the heritage of Ethiopia faces: 1) Local scholars cannot access the necessary training to identify, protect and study Ethiopian heritage. 2) A lack of emphasis on public outreach to connect local communities to the heritage of their own country. Ethiopian students interested in prehistory struggle to gain access to practical training in the relevant skills necessary for a career in paleoanthropology. We propose a systematic yearlong practical and theoretical course that focuses on the documentation and preservation of heritage as well as outreach efforts. By doing so, this proposal will address the challenges faced by students in accessing practical training, developing relevant skills, and pursuing meaningful career opportunities in a field that holds tremendous potential in their country of origin, Ethiopia. This initiative will create new pathways for students to access practical training, develop relevant skills, and enhance their graduate admission opportunities, thereby allowing them to take ownership over their country’s heritage.