Our volunteer Benjamin is currently on an ESC project in Poland at the Culture Center In-nY in Ruda Śląska. The main goal of the project which is called „INNI to: muzyka, sztuka, film, ludzie, pasja, radość” is to support international dialogue between volunteers and the local community. It also aims to increase the participation of young people, their integration and social involvement, and to develop civil society through the implementation of activities. An important part of volunteering will be to develop further involvement in social work for the association in the field of culture.

Throughout the year, the association together with Ben and 3 other volunteers from Georgia and Ukraine will build a bond of solidarity with the local community – the recipients of their activities who are mainly children. Activities will include language, dance, music, handicraft, model-making and other artistic activities. One of the most important elements of the volunteer’s activities is the visits to schools / kindergartens, during which they will present information about their home country and about volunteering / European Solidarity Corps. Benjamin will also develop computer skills with the use of professional equipment, among others (including computers, printers, professional software, graphics), photographic, lighting and sound equipment, equipment for online broadcasting, other equipment used in the implementation of classes and thematic workshops (including a plotter, sewing machines , tools and materials).

CILL in partnership with the Youth Centre for Research and Development (YCRD), Morocco, have now completed the implementation of the ShePower leadership and digital media course, funded by the British Council in the framework of its “Leadership for Gender Equality” programme. 25 young women from all over Morocco have taken part.

The course has been a success on many levels, but most of all because of the enthusiasm, commitment and creativity of the participants. Our international team of facilitators from Morocco, Egypt, Oman, the UK, and Spain has been impressed by their work and the progress they have made.

A public celebration of the project will be held online on Friday 9 July from 5.30 – 7.00 p.m. (UK & Morocco time). This will include a presentation of the media outputs, the impact of the project, and the open website which will go live the next day. To attend the event and meet these inspiring young women, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

I am proud to be a participant in such a delightful programme and to be taught by amazing professional people. Having such initiatives in our country will definitely make a difference and a positive impact on our community. (Zineb Hadoumi, participant)

The ‘Leadership for Gender Equality’ programme is a new British Council programme focused on progressing gender equality and addressing the gender gaps in leadership by providing dialogue and capacity-building opportunities to civil society and higher education leaders. 

The CILL/Momentum World internship programme continues to grow. We have had virtual interns based in Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Zimbabwe, and different parts of the UK. In addition, we are starting to attract other partners to host interns, thereby increasing the range of opportunities on offer. Internships are intended for young people currently un- / under-employed as a result of the current difficult jobs market. The internships are very flexible. To find out more about what’s available or to apply please send an email with a brief summary about yourself along with a CV to: info@cill-uk.com

Doesn’t it ever hit you that 100, 300, 500 years ago someone stood right where you are? That you might be walking the footsteps of a stranger? When I visit historical sites, my mind can’t fully grasp that, long ago, someone was looking at a freshly painted new door that now looks rusty and worn out. It’s those moments that, for a second, make me travel back in time, forging an invisible bond with an imaginary someone from a past generation. In a second, I tie the past and the present seamlessly without realizing that that moment has seized my conscience. It’s an intoxicating feeling, almost like magic. This is why the past fascinates me so much, and this is why I love history. It’s certainly not because I like politics, art, and culture (which I do), it’s because I can’t stop myself from thinking of everyone who was behind all those things. It’s not only the place that we inherited, it’s the spirits of the past generations, in a way, that we did.

 Today is World Heritage Day. A day dedicated to celebrating the joint history and cultural heritage of the human race. This day is also known as International Monuments and Sites Day, and it’s all about raising awareness of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Think of the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, the Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum… All these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but there are thousands, if not millions more of sites all around the world that hold their own charm. As a society, we must unite to protect our history and heritage, so they can become assets for the next generations.

 CILL is working on bringing heritage to the youth. With projects that stretch from Oman to Spain and beyond, we are looking for new ways to show that history should not be overlooked, as it is the source of everything that we have come to be. Through our cultural heritage, we aim to demonstrate that history is more than just books, buildings, and bridges. Rather, heritage and history are a well of knowledge and possibilities for young people. I am thrilled to have the possibility to work on something that I am truly passionate about, and all to bring it to others. To show them what heritage truly is and why it’s not just words and bricks, but the spirits of the people who worked. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to share something you hold so dear.

By now, it goes without saying that I’m a lover of stories. I can get so wrapped up in all the details and intricacies in history that it sometimes can mentally feel like The Garden of Earthly Delights, but in the best way. That’s what history and heritage is for me. That’s why, today, I want to encourage you to think what heritage is for you. I want to encourage you to go out and explore, it doesn’t have to be the Alhambra, it can be your local museum or a small site close to your home. I encourage you to think of who was there and why, and let’s celebrate World Heritage Day together!

“Study the past if you would define the future.”

― Confucius

by María Irigoyen, Heritage Projects Assistant