In May 2024, youth workers from different corners of Europe gathered in Prague, Czech Republic, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective.” This project focused on the deep relationship between cultural heritage and sustainability. The participants explored how the stories, practices, and traditions from the past can inspire responsible and inclusive development in the present. The event was not only a place of learning but also a space of connection, where people from various backgrounds shared knowledge and created new ideas for positive change. A youth worker from Luxembourg, representing Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg, joined this experience with the goal of finding new tools and methods to support young people and communities through heritage-based sustainability.
Luxembourg is a small but culturally rich country. With its mix of French, German, and Luxembourgish influences, it has a strong tradition of multicultural understanding and cooperation. However, in recent years, the country has faced some challenges. Urban growth and modern lifestyles are making young people less connected to their roots. Many small towns and villages are losing traditional crafts and stories, and the pressure to focus only on economic development often leaves little room for cultural reflection. At the same time, Luxembourg is also taking big steps towards green development. The government promotes climate-friendly initiatives, but often these programs do not include cultural or historical elements. This creates a gap where sustainability efforts are seen as something separate from identity and memory. Before the Prague training, there was little effort to link environmental goals with cultural learning in youth work in Luxembourg.
The training in Prague opened a new perspective. During one of the first workshops, the participants explored how heritage can act as a starting point for sustainability. It was surprising to see how communities in different countries are protecting their local customs while working towards environmental goals. One inspiring moment came during a visit to a local initiative that turned a forgotten city square into a shared garden. Volunteers planted native herbs and vegetables and included art installations made from reused materials. The community organized story nights, where older citizens shared memories about the area before modern construction changed it. This example showed the power of mixing storytelling, tradition, and eco-action.
Another strong moment was a session on project development, where participants worked in groups to create mock projects based on their home contexts. This gave the youth worker from Luxembourg the idea to develop something similar back home. The focus would be on connecting traditional knowledge from grandparents and older generations with climate-conscious youth activism. The training also offered many useful tools for planning, managing, and evaluating small community projects. These were practical and easy to adapt to the Luxembourgish reality.
After returning from Prague, the youth worker launched a pilot initiative called “Heritage for Tomorrow.” The main goal was to involve young people from rural and semi-urban areas of Luxembourg in activities that link cultural heritage with environmental responsibility. The first event was held in a local community center. Young participants were invited to interview their grandparents and neighbors about old ways of farming, cooking, and celebrating the seasons. The stories were then turned into visual posters and digital recordings, which were shared in a small exhibition open to the public.
The next step was to organize hands-on workshops. A local farmer taught youth how to make natural compost using methods from the past, and a craftswoman showed how to repair clothes in traditional ways instead of throwing them away. These workshops were practical and emotional at the same time. Participants said they felt more connected to their family roots and also more confident in making eco-friendly choices. Teachers from local schools asked for similar workshops to be held in classrooms. The community council gave a small grant to support the printing of a booklet with selected stories and eco-tips. Local radio even featured one of the youth participants, who shared her experience of discovering that her great-grandmother used only reusable packaging for shopping—a practice that felt modern today but was normal in the past.
The impact of “Heritage for Tomorrow” began to grow. More youth centers asked to host workshops. The organization Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg received invitations to present the project at sustainability fairs and educational events. As the project expanded, it helped build stronger intergenerational connections. Young people learned to appreciate the value of old practices, not as something outdated, but as smart, local, and meaningful actions that could inspire future choices. Elderly citizens felt heard and appreciated. The project also influenced how other NGOs in Luxembourg think about sustainability. By using cultural heritage as a tool, they began to understand that environmental education can feel more personal and motivating when it includes family stories and traditions.
The project from Prague also inspired the NGO to rethink its overall strategy. A new program was developed focusing on “memory-based education,” where youth create projects using family histories, oral storytelling, and traditional knowledge to explore modern topics like food waste, biodiversity, and climate change. Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg now works on a toolkit in three languages—Luxembourgish, French, and English—so that schools and youth centers can start their own “heritage and sustainability” journeys.
The training in Prague was more than just a learning event. It gave the youth worker from Luxembourg the inspiration and skills to bring new energy into local communities. It showed that the past is not only something to protect but also something that can lead the way into the future. By connecting traditions to today’s challenges, it is possible to help young people feel proud, empowered, and ready to act.
Looking into the future, the NGO dreams of organizing an international youth gathering in Luxembourg, where participants from different countries come together to share their own stories of cultural memory and green action. The long-term hope is to build a Europe where cultural diversity and sustainability grow together. The Erasmus+ experience in Prague planted a seed. That seed is now growing in many places across Luxembourg, creating a network of people who believe that change starts with understanding where we come from—and using that understanding to build a better world for everyone.