Over 1 800 pupils visit the King Tut exhibition
The purpose of this initiative is to expose pupils across the West Rand to the wonders of Ancient Egypt and the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Since Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures opened at Silverstar in early December, the popularity of this exhibition has extended into classrooms across the West Rand.
The popularity spread especially among Grade 4, 5 and 6 pupils whose dismay at seeing the (perfectly replicated) artifacts in real life is a sight to behold.
Knowing that Tutankhamun and Ancient Egypt are part of the Grade 5 curriculum, Silverstar’s Director of Operations and Complex Manager, Shane Collinson and his team hosted a corporate social investment (CSI) intervention for over 1 800 Grade 5 pupils and 80 educators from 16 local West Rand schools across varying socioeconomic sectors.
The pupils were invited to view the exhibition and thereafter could also experience some of Silverstar’s many facilities, especially those for younger visitors. In addition to visiting the world of King Tut, each child receives Magic Company tokens and a snack. Where required, bus transport was provided.
The purpose of this Silverstar-sponsored initiative is to expose pupils across Muldersdrift and the West Rand to the wonders of Ancient Egypt and the tomb of Tutankhamun as well as to experience a day out at Silverstar.
“We are proud to host the internationally acclaimed Tutankhamun exhibition, which is the perfect opportunity for Silverstar to reach out to Grade 5 pupils and their teachers, as part of our contribution to developing the future of this region,” said Collinson.
“This is an extension of the many other CSI activities Silverstar supports including soccer development, Feed SA and the Mogale City community.”
The initiative began when 120 pupils from Boipelo School in Kagiso and Mashudu School located in Rietvallei Ext 1 were hosted at Silverstar.
The excited chatter on arrival at the exhibition and then the fascination with operating an audio guide were notable highlights of the day – until the pupils got to experience the wonders of King Tut’s Tomb first hand. With volume up and over 1 000 mesmerising treasures to see, the children unknowingly were partaking in valuable lessons in culture, history and art.
Some of these pupils spent some time in the company of the famous Egyptologist, Dr Zahi Hawass who was at Silverstar to host two lectures on the occasion of the Tutankhamun exhibition.
Seen by more than 30 000 visitors, the exhibition ends on 15 March.
Tickets are available at www.tut-exhibition.co.za.
