Acronym

VOLUNTEERS

NUMBER

PBU2/0781/18

Project type

Micro-project

STATUS

Completed

THEMATIC OBJECTIVE

HERITAGE

PRIORITY

1.1 Promotion of local culture and history

PARTNERSHIP

PL-UA

LEAD BENEFICIARY

Mountains Guides Association "Rovin" (Lviv Oblast, Ukraine)

BENEFICIARY

Local Tourist Organisation in Przemyśl (Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland)

Project description

A cross-border cultural landscape, which was once so rich and diverse, lost much in its identity during the second part of the XXI century. Traces of some cultures are erased with time. Many Roman Catholic churches in Ukraine, Orthodox churches in Poland and Jewish synagogues on both sides of the border remain unattended and neglected. However, they are important elements of our countries’ cultural identities, a memory, which should be passed to next generations. But how to involve young people in dealing with the issues of common cultural and historical heritage? How to make them conscious about their past and willing to contribute into its preservation and promotion?

One possible solution is to bring them together during a cross-border volunteer camp. In fact, two such camps entitled "Our Common Cultural Heritage" will be held within the project in Uhniv and Przemyśl. During 22 days, 18 volunteers from Belarus, Poland and Ukraine will work on renovation of historical and cultural landmarks such as synagogue and Jewish cemetery, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Their tasks will range from cleaning and weeds removal to restoration of authentic constructions. Young people will also learn about the history of Western Ukraine and Eastern Poland, visit Belz, Sokal, Chervonohrad, Zhovkva, Forts of Przemyśl, Ustrzyki Górne and Zamość. Moreover, they will participate in trainings and meet local professionals in the field of history, architecture and tourism. Their experience and creative ideas generated during the camps will be integrated in the common promotional publications – a tourist leaflet and a brochure.

This VOLUNTEERS project will increase the number of tourists visiting the objects of historical and cultural heritage, enhancing involvement of youth Europeans in community life on the Polish-Ukrainian borderland at the same time. Project team also believes that tolerance to other cultures and religions, ability to interact and cooperate are the most important impacts of the project.