During the week of June 8th-15th, two enthusiastic participants from a Finnish primary school in Kuopio (Finland) joined the JUMP training session on “European Cultural Heritage as a pedagogical and integration tool in Education.” This engaging three-day training aimed to explore how European cultural heritage can be used as a powerful educational resource. The program focused on integrating cultural heritage into school curricula to enhance students’ sense of belonging, foster cultural identity awareness, and promote understanding of cultural diversity.
On the first day, we delved into the concept of Cultural Heritage and its historical evolution to better understand its value as a people-centred process. A discussion was opened around the question: What could be considered a shared heritage across Europe? While common roots can contribute to a sense of European citizenship, the conversation also addressed an important question: What about the minorities living in our European countries? Bringing this reflection into schools can foster inclusion and intercultural dialogue, encouraging students to view heritage not as a static legacy of the past, but as a living, evolving resource that reflects the diversity of contemporary European societies.
Following these reflections, we also explored the concept of Dissonant Heritage – a heritage that may be contested, uncomfortable, or carry conflicting meanings. Dissonant heritage could be integrated as a powerful educational tool, enabling the integration of diverse historical narratives and perspectives on power dynamics into the school curriculum, and helping students engage with memory, societal dialogue, and critical thinking.
Building on the previous reflections, the second day expanded our perspective by connecting heritage with sustainability and environmental awareness. The day began with a nature-based education session, with outdoor activities encouraging participants to engage with the natural environment as an essential part of our shared heritage. In the afternoon, the participants visited “Nido di Seta”, a local cooperative in San Floro (Calabria) which exemplifies the connection between cultural traditions, sustainability, and community empowerment. Rooted in the ancient art of silk production, combining the preservation of traditional knowledge with the promotion of eco-friendly practices and social inclusion through sustainable entrepreneurship.
On the third day, we deepened our understanding of the interconnections between European Cultural Heritage and Education. We began by outlining Europe’s role in this context, and then we explored various approaches for integrating cultural heritage into educational practices.
These included:
- Heritage interpretation as a method to actively engage students;
- Teaching through living heritage, which connects learners with local traditions and communities;
- The use of digital cultural heritage as an interactive tool to enhance learning experiences and accessibility.
During the whole training, a common thread has emerged: the main role of education in safeguarding cultural heritage not only at the European level but also within local communities. The active involvement of the younger generations is essential to ensure that local traditions are preserved and recreated, becoming part of a shared and inclusive European narrative. For this reason, schools and educators have the responsibility to equip students with the tools to explore, interpret, and connect with both tangible and intangible heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural identity and diversity.
Author: Giusy Froio, JUMP Trainer
