In May 2024, youth workers from across Europe came together in Prague, Czech Republic, to take part in an Erasmus+ training course titled “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective.” The program focused on how cultural heritage can play an important role in achieving sustainable development. It provided participants with knowledge, tools, and a space to explore how preserving traditions, values, and historical identity can support a better and more inclusive future. The project was not only about understanding history, but also about finding new ways to connect cultural heritage with today’s social and environmental needs. It encouraged participants to reflect on their own cultures, learn from others, and create projects that combine heritage with innovation and sustainability.
In Slovenia, cultural heritage is rich and diverse, from traditional crafts and folk dances to architecture and community celebrations. However, in recent years, this heritage has faced many challenges. Urban development has changed the landscape of small towns and villages. Traditional knowledge and skills are often not passed down to younger generations. In schools, cultural education is sometimes limited to facts and dates, without deeper emotional or community connection. In rural areas, many cultural sites are slowly being forgotten or not maintained. Young people often feel disconnected from their heritage and see it as something from the past, rather than something they can use to build their identity and future. The connection between sustainability and culture is not yet strong in many public programs. This situation made the Erasmus+ training in Prague especially relevant for youth workers from Slovenia, as it offered fresh ways to combine culture with action.
The training course in Prague opened new perspectives. It was full of interactive activities, workshops, and group discussions. One of the most powerful parts of the program was the visit to local projects in the city that focused on preserving cultural buildings through environmentally friendly methods. Seeing how history and sustainability can work together in real life gave many participants new ideas. The sessions on educational empowerment were also eye-opening. Youth workers learned how to teach heritage in ways that are dynamic, inclusive, and focused on community needs. Through hands-on exercises, participants practiced how to build sustainable projects around cultural topics. The international exchange added a unique value, as people from different countries shared their traditions, challenges, and solutions. It became clear that, although each country is different, the desire to protect heritage and help communities grow is shared by many. Participants also discovered that promoting cultural understanding and sustainability together can increase the motivation of young people to become active in their local environments.
After returning to Slovenia, the youth worker from Zavod Aspira, zavod za razvoj posameznika in družbe, was motivated to launch a small community-based project named “Roots for the Future.” The goal of this initiative was to engage youth in discovering their cultural roots and using this knowledge to create sustainable projects. The first step was to connect with local schools and community centers. Together, they organized workshops where students could learn about local traditions, such as traditional food preparation, handicrafts, and folk stories. These workshops were not just educational; they were creative and designed to make youth feel proud of their cultural background. As part of the program, young participants were invited to come up with ideas on how to protect and share their culture in a modern and eco-friendly way.
One of the ideas that came to life was the creation of a traveling exhibition that combined elements of cultural history and environmental responsibility. Students created posters, short videos, and digital art that showed how traditional ways of living can support sustainability. For example, some students explored how older generations used natural materials and zero-waste methods in daily life. These stories were shared during a local festival, where families, teachers, and community members could see the results. The exhibition also traveled to neighboring towns, creating more interest in the link between culture and sustainability. Another small project within “Roots for the Future” was a community clean-up day combined with a storytelling walk. Youth guided visitors through important historical places in the town while collecting litter and talking about the meaning behind each location.
The impact of this initiative was visible very quickly. Young people started to feel more connected to their towns and villages. They became curious about the stories behind old buildings and local customs. Many participants said they had never thought of cultural heritage as something they could actively protect or use in creative ways. Teachers noticed increased interest in history and ecology classes. Local officials appreciated the efforts and offered support to expand the program in the next year. The families of the participants also became more involved, sharing memories and knowledge that were valuable for the young people’s projects. Through this process, the community grew stronger, and the gap between generations started to close.
The training in Prague gave youth workers the tools and inspiration to create this kind of change. It showed that cultural heritage is not only about the past, but also about how communities shape their future. When young people are given the chance to learn, connect, and act, they become powerful agents of change. The success of “Roots for the Future” proved that combining culture and sustainability is not only possible but also attractive and meaningful for youth.
Looking ahead, Zavod Aspira, zavod za razvoj posameznika in družbe, plans to continue developing projects that connect tradition with innovation. There are plans to build a digital archive where young people can upload videos, photos, and stories about their cultural discoveries. The organization also hopes to involve more schools and to connect with youth groups in other countries for future collaborations. The vision is to make cultural heritage a living and active part of community life, while promoting values such as inclusion, sustainability, and participation.
This experience reminded everyone involved that culture is not static. It grows with people, and it changes with time. But to keep it alive, young people must be part of the journey. Through Erasmus+ and the support of international cooperation, youth workers are better prepared to guide and inspire this journey. The training in Prague was not just a course—it was a turning point that helped bring new energy and ideas to local communities. With every new step, youth can build a future that honors the past and cares for the planet at the same time.