Young people from Ilijaš are learning about the cultural and historical heritage of their community through creative workshops, field education and modern technologies supported by the European Union through the ReLOaD3 programme.
The initiative is being implemented by the Old Bosnian City of Dubrovnik Foundation as part of the project “Field Education on the Cultural and Historical Heritage of the Municipality of Ilijaš.” The project is supported through the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina in partnership with local municipalities and cities.
One of the project activities introduced students to Bosančica, the authentic script of medieval Bosnia. More than 20 young participants at “Stari Ilijaš” Elementary School took part in the workshop, where they learned the letters, practiced writing and explored an important part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural identity.
The project was developed after analysis showed that elementary schools in Ilijaš lacked a structured field teaching model for cultural heritage education. This gap limited students’ practical exposure to local history and reduced the integration of heritage sites into the learning process.
Ilijaš is home to two national monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Old Town of Dubrovnik and the Kopošići Necropolis. Although these sites hold strong educational and cultural value, the project found that they were not sufficiently included in primary school activities.
The initiative initially planned to engage 100 students aged 11 to 14 and their teachers, but participation grew to around 200 students. Activities included educational visits to heritage sites, workshops on Bosančica, stećci and herbariums, lectures on the impact of climate change on cultural monuments, and a virtual reality workshop on interpreting cultural and historical heritage.
By combining heritage education, environmental awareness, digital tools and creative expression, the project helped students connect with the past of their region in a practical and engaging way. The use of virtual reality and interactive learning made cultural heritage more accessible and interesting for young people.
Participants said the activities helped them better understand local monuments and traditions they had previously known only by name. Through hands-on learning, students developed a stronger sense of belonging, cultural awareness and responsibility for preserving shared heritage.
The project shows how technology and creativity can make cultural and historical heritage more meaningful for younger generations. By engaging students directly, the initiative encourages them to become future guardians and promoters of the heritage of their community.
