From 5th to 12th July, three Spanish teachers from Extremadura participated in the course “Heritage Education for Inclusion and European Citizenship”, delivered by JUMP and aimed at promoting European values and fostering the appreciation of cultural diversity within educational contexts.
The programme began with an in-depth exploration of the concepts of culture and cultural heritage. Through a reflective activity on their personal identities, participants examined their own cultural experiences, memories, and local Spanish traditions, discovering how these elements contribute to both individual and collective heritage. Following the most well-known framework of the Cultural Iceberg, we reflected on the intangible nature of cultural heritage, especially looking at it as a people-centred process.
Key themes of the training course were the “Shared European Cultural Heritage” and “Dissonant Heritage”, two useful approaches that can contribute to the development of inclusive European citizenship by transforming cultural differences and historical complexities into opportunities for learning and cooperation. In particular, the first principle suggests how European Heritage could be used to teach respect for cultural diversity, fostering a sense of belonging based on the recognition of multiple identities, histories, and cultural expressions. The second principle highlights the importance of addressing contested and conflicting memories within European history, encouraging critical reflection on the different interpretations of the past and promoting dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding among citizens.
The second day, participants had the great opportunity to visit the National Archaeological Park of Scolacium, which represented a significant learning experience, offering them the opportunity to explore a site where different historical layers coexist and reflect the cultural interactions that have shaped Europe throughout the centuries. They could explore the Forum, the Roman theatre, the amphitheatre, the Norman basilica, and the remains of the ancient olive oil mill, enriching their understanding of heritage as a dynamic process shaped by encounters, exchanges, and transformations over time.
In the afternoon, teachers had the opportunity to learn more about nature-based education and explore how natural heritage can be integrated into educational contexts. Through experiential activities such as a gratitude scavenger hunt and the creation of natural mandalas, participants reflected on the relationship between humans and the environment, developing awareness of the educational potential of outdoor learning.
On the last day, teachers further deepened the relationship between cultural heritage and teaching methodologies through the exploration of a wide range of tools, resources, manuals, and lesson plans designed to support educators in integrating heritage into their curricula. The activities focused on how cultural heritage can foster inclusive teaching practices, encourage critical reflection, help students unpack privileges and different perspectives, and promote a more open and respectful understanding of diverse histories and identities.
Overall, the training course combined theoretical reflection, experiential learning, and direct engagement with local heritage sites, allowing teachers to explore how heritage education can become a powerful tool for fostering inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and active European citizenship.
Author: Giusy Froio (JUMP staff)
