How many times have we heard the stories told by elderly people related to culture and sustainability? ‘WE GREW UP HERE’ is an initiative that is funded by the Greek Ministry of Culture that aims to capture, preserve and share the rich tapestry of local wisdom, cultural heritage and sustainability practices of the past. By focusing on the stories and experiences of our elderly community members, this initiative will create a living archive of knowledge that might otherwise be lost in time.

In the frame of the project, we will conduct intimate, personal interviews with seniors who hold a wealth of information about our local history, traditional practices, and time-honored approached to living in harmony with nature. These short, impactful videos serve as powerful tools for education, cultural preservation, and community building. Our project goes beyond mere documentation. By actively involving younger generations in the process of collecting and sharing these stories, we are planning to create meaningful intergenerational connections. This not only ensures the transmission of knowledge, but also fosters a sense of pride and continuity within out community. Moreover, by making these stories accessible to tourists, we are planning to offer a unique window into the authentic soul of our region. This approach to tourism not only enriches the visitor experience but also promotes a more sustainable and respectful form of cultural exchange.

Ultimately, our initiative serves as a bridge between past and present, between generations, and between visitors and locals, all those while highlighting the crucial importance of sustainable living and cultural preservation in our rapidly changing world.

Project Objectives

• Preserve local stories and culture
• Transmit local values to next generations
• Raise awareness about environmental and cultural issues
• Share local values with tourists

Project Impact

• Cultural Preservation: By recording and archiving local stories, we ensure that unique cultural knowledge and traditions are preserved for future generations. This helps maintain the rich tapestry of our local heritage in the face of globalization and societal changes.
• Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Our project bridges the gap between generations, allowing younger people to learn from the wisdom and experiences of their elders. This fosters a sense of continuity and strengthens community bonds across age groups.
• Environmental Awareness: By highlighting local sustainability practices and environmental knowledge, we contribute to raising awareness about ecological issues. This can inspire more sustainable practices in the community and beyond.
• Tourism Enrichment: Sharing these stories with tourists provides them with a deeper, more authentic understanding of the local culture and environment. This enhances their travel experience and promotes more responsible and culturally sensitive tourism.

Goals of the project for 2024

• Recording of 2 short video interviews in the form of a VoxPop
• 3 local press releases highlighting the results of the project