\nMAKKAH: Saudi Arabia\u2019s Heritage Commission in Abha recently concluded the Little Explorer initiative \u2014 a national scheme designed to inspire the next generation\u2019s curiosity and interest in the region\u2019s heritage and archaeological discoveries.<\/p>\n
\nThe program, which is being held around Saudi Arabia, aims to educate children in antiquities and explore the history of the Kingdom and its civilizations in a fun and informative manner.<\/p>\n \nThe Heritage Commission told Arab News that the Little Explorer initiative was launched by Prince Badr bin Abdullah, minister of culture and chairman of the Heritage Commission\u2019s board of directors, in March 2022.<\/p>\n \nThe scheme targets young children and youth in all regions of the Kingdom, to prepare a generation that understands the importance of heritage and involve them in archaeological excavations.<\/p>\n \n\u2022 The first stage of Little Explorer initiative targets children aged six to 12. <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\u2022 The \u2018Excavation Simulation\u2019 teaches children how to discover and extract antiquities using specialized field tools. <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\u2022 The second stage targets students aged 13 to 17. <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\u2022 Initiative involves seven school field trips to six archaeological sites across the Kingdom.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \nThe commission added that the activities are divided into two main stages. The first stage targets children aged six to 12 and is held in a number of commercial centers in 10 regions of the Kingdom.<\/p>\n \nIt involves various events, including guidance on methods of discovering, extracting, documenting and restoring antiquities, as well as preserving archaeological collections using simplified scientific methods, accompanied by entertainment. It aims to build a relationship between children and antiquities, link them to their history and develop their spirit of teamwork.<\/p>\n \nThe commission said that children, through the \u201cOnce Upon a Time\u201d corner, view a scene that simplifies the concept of archaeology and shows the great value of ancient civilizations, and their unique and precious heritage. It also reinforces in children the importance of the Kingdom\u2019s archaeological sites.<\/p>\n \nThe \u201cInteractive Glasses\u201d section uses virtual reality glasses to allow children to explore a three-dimensional map of the Kingdom, through which they can learn about 10 significant archaeological sites.<\/p>\n \nIn the \u201cEarth Layers\u201d corner, children learn about the internal structure of land layers. They can simulate layers of the earth using sand and clay to better understand the excavation process.<\/p>\n \nThe \u201cExcavation Simulation\u201d corner provides children with a practical application of archaeological excavation in virtual archaeological sites that simulate real locations throughout the Kingdom. The simulation teaches children how to discover and extract antiquities using specialized field tools.<\/p>\n \nIn the \u201cRegistration of Antiquities\u201d corner, children learn how to maintain and restore antiquities, and how to transport and preserve them.<\/p>\n \nIn the \u201cSatisfy Your Curiosity about Antiquities\u201d section, children can ask an expert archaeologist any questions they have.<\/p>\n \nAfter that, children move to the \u201cWrite Your Name in Musnad Script\u201d corner to learn about ancient writing scripts. A photograph opportunity commemorates the day for the participants.<\/p>\n \nThe commission said that the second stage of the activities targets students aged 13 to 17, and involves seven school field trips to six archaeological sites across the Kingdom. An archaeological expert at each site introduces the students to the history of the location, its archaeological significance and the most prominent events that took place at the site.<\/p>\n \nLearning about the Kingdom\u2019s history and archaeological value enhances national belonging among students.<\/p>\n \nThe initiative is part of efforts by the commission to increase children\u2019s awareness of cultural heritage, strengthen their relationship with their homeland, encourage the preservation of heritage and antiquities, and develop their spirit of creativity.<\/p>\n \nFor updates and more information, visit @MOCHeritage on X.<\/p>\n\nHIGH<\/span>LIGHTS<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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