Pupils get the practical experience

Since TUTANKHAMUN – His Tomb and His Treasures opened at Silverstar in early December 2014, the popularity of this exhibition has extended into classrooms across Johannesburg and the West Rand, 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 are hosting a corporate social investment (CSI) intervention for over 1800 Grade 5 pupils and 80 teachers from 16 local West Rand schools across varying socio-economic sectors.

The pupils are invited to view the exhibition. Thereafter it’s time to 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 is also 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 who added, “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 last week when 120 pupils each 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 mesmerizing treasures to see, the children were unknowingly 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.

The remainder of the schools from the greater Krugersdorp, Sterkfontein, Westonaria, Ruimsig, Noordheuwel and Randfontein areas are visiting Silverstar this month. Seen by more than 30 000 visitors, the exhibition ends on 15 March 2015.

Details: www.tut-exhibition.co.za, www.silvestarcasino.co.za