COOLTOUR-Cultural heritage as a source of development of future competencies in youth

"<< Background >>The idea to apply for this project arose from the need to explore new and engaging ways to connect young people with cultural heritage, as traditional approaches have not always resonated with them. Discussions with international partners, interviews with youth workers, and research confirmed that this challenge extended beyond local communities. Key issues identified included: a need to equip youth with future competencies through meaningful activities; a lack of creative, inclusive, innovative approaches to engaging young people in cultural heritage; limited opportunities for youth to shape their own cultural activities; insufficient recognition of youth's needs and interests; a general disinterest in cultural heritage, often seen as outdated. The project addressed these needs by empowering youth & youth workers through cultural heritage as an educational tool. An inclusive, creative, and participatory approach made cultural heritage more accessible and visible as a source of development, fostered international collaboration, and bridged tradition with modernity. The ""for, with, and by youth"" model ensured sustainable engagement, competencies development, and more inclusive, innovative ways of transferring cultural heritage.<< Objectives >>The main goal of this project was to address the needs of youth workers & youth by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to create educational activities based on cultural heritage. We aimed to support youth workers & youth in developing future competencies, particularly those connected with creativity and innovation. By adopting an inclusive approach, using innovative methods, tools, and technologies, the project was to provide opportunities for active, participatory engagement with cultural heritage. International collaboration aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences, helping to identify and share effective practices. The 3-step process—creating for, with, and by youth—was to ensure that all activities were youth-centered, promoting involvement and co-creation. The project aimed to achieve both soft outcomes, such as enhanced competencies and skills, and a hard outcome: CoolTourRoadMap & Backpack supporting development of future competencies. The project also aimed to strengthen and develop cultural heritage as an educational tool, making it more accessible and relevant; to increase the quality, innovation and recognition of youth work, and to encourage international cooperation<< Implementation >>To achieve the project objectives, we implemented a range of carefully planned activities, including:4 local needs analysis on 346 youth connected with photo contest in topic ""Cultural Heritage& Youth"" and 1 common report2 Training Courses: ""Cultural Heritage and Its Role in Developing Competencies of the Future"" in Estonia, and ""Creative Designers"" in PolandSocial Hackathon CoolHackathour in EstoniaCoolTour Youth Exchange in Estonia 3 local testing phases of prototypes of designed methods&tools, conducted in each partner country&online 3 Study Visits to Italy, Turkiye, PolandOnline&onsite communication& promotion activities through websites, social media channels, local media to raise awareness about the project’s progressDesign&production of final project productsAn international online dissemination event bringing together participants from all countries9 local&national dissemination events, 2 meetings with NA&1 with Eurodesk engaging communities and stakeholdersOngoing online&onsite informative campaigns, showcasing project results at various levelsMeetings with local stakeholders on project flowRegular project & partner meetings for collaboration,continuous monitoring, ensuring the success and the project quality<< Results >>-Youth work empowerment – strengthened competencies in design thinking, cultural awareness, co-creation, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and heritage as a dynamic educational tool.-CoolTour Backpack & RoadMap – digital & physical resources (book, game, cards) with tools, methods, case studies to support education by cultural heritage.-19 Educational tool prototypes – developed through a 3-step process based on real needs.-Trainings & Study Visits – 4 local needs analysis, shared insights and best practices, engagement in solutions design & testing.Increased visibility – expanded presence in youth work and cultural heritage.-Networking & partnerships – built a sustainable network for future projects.-Social media campaigns to ~84000 people.-Photo contest and videos – captured activities, reflections, and impact.-Dissemination events – promoted cultural heritage education.-Intercultural collaboration – enhanced teamwork and awareness.-Boosted Erasmus+ engagement and expanded membership.-New initiatives of participants & stakeholders involved.-Successful participant’s stories – influenced youth projects.-Capacity building & digital tools – enhanced cross-sector collaboration & community impact."