Author: Dr. Kiss Katalin
Co-authors: Dr. Miron Breznoščák; Kárpáti Sándorné; Mirka Breznoščáková Kulišeková

My first book on cultural heritage
Our hiding memories
A workshop for cultural heritage and environmental protection

Graphic design: Vass Ákosné Török Szonja
Supported by: the Organization of the World Heritage Cities

Short introduction of the program and the workbook

This program is recommended for pupils attending the 3rd-4th years of the elementary school. It can be completed within two semesters, eg. from September to May, with sessions one time in a month, making 8 sessions altogether.

The following accessories are needed for completing the workshop sessions:

1. The ’Guide for teachers and workshop leaders’, with instructions for each session.
2. The textbook ’My first book on cultural heritage’, which can be completed by the pupils.

The aims of the workshop

The pupils of the elementary schools are the future engineers, architects, investors, developers or conservationists and archaeologists, but most of all, they will make the decisions in the future. Anyone can be involved in decisions, even the inhabitants of a village. Our workshop’s aim is to show the children how sensitive questions can arise concerning heritage, and we hope it will help them understand their responsibility when they grow up. The sense of responsibility is very important because our immediate and broader environment’s future is based on such decisions. The aim is complex; the mastering of the material related to cultural heritage is complemented by our moral contribution, world view, and how we see our future.

Preliminary developments

The main aim of the program is to raise adults who can make responsible decisions and become well-qualified residents and citizens.  The need for educating the residents has been an issue for nearly 10 years. Talent clubs about cultural heritage and environmental protection appeared in response for the demand from teachers, parents as residents and students as well, mostly in primary schools.

Since 2013 there have been courses during each school year which were accompanied by intensive summer camps and International camps, too. The programmes organized in Budapest and Selmecbánya grew so much that the Organization of the World Heritage Cities decided to support a cultural heritage booklet which can be available all over the world.

My first book on cultural heritage was compiled in Hungary and Slovakia. The creation of the booklet was based on 10 years of working together, teaching, the experiences of the national and international camps.

The role of the teachers/leaders and the students

These exercises are supplementary tasks. The preparation and dedication of the teachers are required for the successful achievement. This way the educator can make sure that he fully prepares the participants for the different topics. The booklet is also recommended to students who are not that interested in the activities of protecting our cultural heritage.

The program of the individual workshops

A workshop consists of 3 main parts:

Table of Contents:

1. session: How can I explore the past?
2. session: The history of the place where I’m living and where I’m going to school, local history
3. session: Documentating the built and natural environment
4. session: Revitalization of the built and natural environment: restoration and rehabilitation
5. session: The protection of the built and natural environment, the World Heritage
6. session: The protection of the environment
7. session: The protection of the natural environment
8. session: Heritage games connected to the protection of cultural and natural heritage

A thematic guide for teachers and workshop leaders

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected]

© 2019 Dr. Kiss Katalin, Vass Ákosné Török Szonja All rights reserved