Our awesome cultural heritage ... Our awesome ties is a project designed with the aim of spreading awareness of the importance of Europe’s Cultural Heritage and of its preservation, protection and promotion.

​

The theme of cultural heritage which is the leitmotif will be analysed from varied perspectives and while working on it the participants will contribute to strengthen the three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental sustainability, inclusive social development, inclusive economic development) as well as the fostering of peace and security. The integration of a sustainable development perspective enables students to learn the importance of acting with social responsibility and grasp the meaning of democratic participation. Participation of young people as active responsible citizens can take many forms and have different degrees and, informally, it includes participating in cultural activities and in education among others (EACEA report Youth Participation in Democratic Life – 2013).

​

While exploring aspects of the local and national cultural heritage and comparing them with the findings of their partners, the students will become aware of the uniqueness of each legacy but even more of the ties that bind the peoples within the European Continent. As a result the sense of belonging to a brotherhood of nations will be reinforced and they will realize it is high time to contribute to keep it working at its best since each individual’s action to improve it will be a relevant step. In addition after delving into and unfolding the various aspects of cultural heritage the students will collaborate to devise means for protecting, preserving and promoting their cultural heritage together with the municipality, the tourist office, museums, libraries, environmental organisations, experts and relevant stakeholders. In so doing they will develop and/or enhance 21st century skills and will be readier to face the challenges they will encounter when they leave school and will be better equipped with the skills and competences required by the labour market. To testify the achievement of this goal the partner schools will design tools to assess and certify the degree of acquisition of set soft skills through the project activities. Among them communication and language learning have a relevant role.

​

The specific objectives of the project are to:

• develop awareness of the value of European cultural heritage;

• foster democratic participation;

• stress the importance of taking action and making an impact;

• strengthen the sense of responsibility in attaining set educational goals;

• boost 21st century skills and competences to enable students to get ahead in today’s society;

• recognize the value of soft skills and validating them;

• improve foreign language knowledge and competent use.

​

The products envisaged are appealing for young learners and stimulate creativity.

Another important aspect of the project will be the transnational learning activities for both students and teachers. Six meetings are planned to give the participants the opportunity to share ideas directly, exchange good practices, work together in European teams and feel active citizens. The physical mobilities will be matched with virtual exchanges through eTwinning where a project connected to the Erasmus one will be run concurrently.

​

The project's outcomes will be spread through the dissemination efforts of all member schools aiming at contributing to raising awareness on the value and importance of the European Cultural Heritage.

​

Sustainability is an overarching priority as well: the methodological approaches adopted will continue to be implemented after the end of the project; the ties established at local, regional, national and European level will be maintained and reinforced.