The Role of Education in the Protection of Cultural Heritage (on the Example of the Project “Journey through Wooden Podlasie”)

Abstract

Nowadays the issue of regional education is a very contemporary and necessary problem, seen as a future factor in cultural heritage, which can be treated as a contribution to preserving the continuity of traditional values. A look at how heritage can be protected using local perspectives in a globalized world through educational activities is also postulated by UNESCO’s global doctrines. In order to include this idea within the school education system, a certain transformation of the pedagogical reality must take place, which is a long-term process. That is why such projects are often carried out through non-formal education. Using the example of the project ‘Journey through Wooden Podlasie’, this study addresses the problem of protecting the cultural landscape and intangible heritage of Podlasie through education from an early age. Analysis of material collected, as well as the author’s own observations from the various projects carried out in the form of regional education, confirm the theory that there is a great need to implement programs of active heritage protection from scratch. Drawing inspiration from the past can be of great practical importance for future generations, and can serve to encourage children to be active participants in their environment.