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Education 

1. Previously, DOP had built a special building to promote education in oasis history and archaeology and environments.  This is dedicated to local people who may have an interest in the Project or in its studies.  Members, while in the field, were to teach about their special subject area.

Unfortunately, members undertaking field work cannot find the time to produce courses, or lectures during the season and this aspect of the project has been in abeyance.  But, the building is still at the site and available for its original purpose.

2.  Some local Egyptians have benefited from working with various project teams.  For example, Professor Leemhuis has elevated local people who have worked with him on restoration at el-Qasr.  Risq Abdel Hai is now conducting buildings restoration by himself, using SCA funds.  Other members of his team have brought back ancient skills in building in mud brick and wood and have become experts themselves.  Another example is Hanaa Shawqi, a conservator who has worked on plasters and masonry at several sites and is now conducting her own conservation work in Dakhleh.  There are many others.

3.  The DOP would like to expand its program of local education in order to have a greater local understanding and appreciation of the oasis history and cultural evolution.  How the various sites fit into the history and how they  tell of foreign relations and cultural transference.  To come to a better understanding of the importance of the local environment at the present and in future, for the care and maintenance of the local environment is important in the long term, both locally and nationally and even internationally.

4.  It is hoped that Egyptian students might join the DOP during the season and undertake lessons in practical archaeological matters.  Photography, object handling and conservation, storage of samples and collections, drawing for recording, archaeological terminology, ethics, and all related archaeological subjects.  We would talk about the oasis and its history, but not about the history of Egypt or Egyptology, which is best left to the universities and their more formal situations.

Students should become eligible for support for study overseas in institutions teaching archaeology, to learn other techniques and philosophy, to gain excavation experience in other countries.  With the number of countries with project members in academic positions, there would be a wide choice of institutions.

Personal Statement

Hanaa Shawki, Historical Conservator and First Aid to Culture Heritage

During the past 10 years I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Dakhleh Oasis Project.

When I joined the Project it was my first working experience in my chosen field of conservation.

The working experience gave me the opportunity to discover what skills I needed to develop in order for me to grow and flourish in my speciality as a conservator.

I look forward to continuing with the Project , experiencing more diverse jobs and learning new techniques within the the fields of archaeology and conservation , experience which would further help me In my studies and career path.

The international and collegiate atmosphere of the the Project fosters good relations on a personal and professional  level which gives further scope for the exchange of ideas and knowledge for future cooperation.

On a professional level the Project has helped facilitate access to participate in international conferences where I have given many lectures and workshops as well as attending them , all of which I find highly rewarding and beyond a doubt of great benefit to the development of my skills and knowledge.

I would like to express my thanks to Professor Anthony Mills ( Director DOP ) Dr. Colin Hope, ( Monash University ) and Dr Olaf Kaper ( Leiden University ) and Elizabeth Beetles, for their encouragement and support.

 

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