The Centre for Linguistic and Historical Studies by Oral Tradition (CELHTO)

The Centre for Linguistic and Historical Studies by Oral Tradition (CELHTO) is a specialised technical agency of the African Union and aims to contribute to Africa’s integration and development by providing analysis on African history, societies and culture. Its main mandate is to work for the recovery of the continent’s autonomy from external cultural visions by affirming a cultural identity that promotes the integration and development of the continent. The Centre aims to undertake linguistic, historical and sociological studies of African communities; produce and preserve written, audio, photographic and audio-visual records of oral traditions; and ensure popular approaches to the economic, political and socio-cultural integration of Africa. CELHTO works closely with universities, social science centres of research and civil society cultural organisations.

CELHTO is the successor to the Centre for Research and Documentation for Oral Tradition (CRDTO), which was originally established in 1968 on the recommendation of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). CRDTO became CELHTO when it was integrated into the OAU in 1974. CELHTO is located in Niamey, Niger

CELHTO key programmes are:

• collecting, safeguarding, digitising and distributing records of African oral traditions;
• strengthening the development and use of African languages;
• publishing research results in scientific journals;
• protecting heritage as part of conflict prevention and resolution in Africa; and
• supporting African civil society and its diaspora.

Find out more by
Website: www.celhto.org
Email: celhto@africa-union.org Tel: +227 2073 5414
Facebook: www.facebook.com/celhto
Twitter: @celhto
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/celhto