The College of ‘ Social Sciences and Humanities ‘ in cooperation with the’ Institute of Oromo Studies’ has organized a one day brief forum on the ‘ Recognition of Gada System as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World’.
According to Dr. Dejene Gemechu, Dean, College of Social Sciences and Humanities’, the objective of the forum is to discuss the procedure and the aftermath of Gada registration. He stated that the announcement of the inscription of Gada system on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List came on the 11th Session of UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) held from November 28 to December 2, 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The registration, according to Dr. Dejene, is a great achievement for the Ethiopian people in general and of the Oromo in particular. He mentioned Gadaa is an oldest indigenous democratic political system of the Oromo played that great role for in serving as a guiding principle for the life of the Oromo for several generations, and it ensured the complete inclusion of the Oromo in the political activities. DR. Dejene also underlined that Gada is an exemplary democratic system in which power is transferred peacefully that operated since time immemorial. Following his speech and a congratulating statement he invited Professor Fikre Lemessa, President of JU to make an opening speech.
Professor Fikre on his part said, while celebrating the registration of Gada as intangible heritage of the world, everyone should recognize the tedious works in the process of making the inscription real, and the works ahead expected to sustain the cherished value of the system. He mentioned that along the process, Jimma University has made contribution in one way or the other.
Professor Fikre also outlined JU’s educational philosophy, Community Based Education as a vital tool to realize efforts as such through devotion in education and research. He said, in addition to the direct involvement in the process registration of Gada as an intangible heritage provision of professional support from its staff, the department of Afan Oromo and Literature, and Oromo Folklore has significantly contributed towards the registration though education and research.
During the brief, Dr. Dereje Fufa made a presentation on ‘Gadaa system’s Inscription as Intangible Heritage at UNESCO’ in which he focused on the procedures followed by the Ethiopian government and the prospects expected from scholars, elders and the community in general. Mr. Dheresa Dhebu also made a presentation on the: Legacies of Odaa Hulle.
Elders, experts in the field Oromo studies, university officials, students attended the brief.
