ROOTS AND WINGS - CULTURAL AWARENESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Cultural education, local heritage, personal development, rural communities, experiential methods, curricular integrationAbstract
In the current context, cultural education plays an essential role in the integral development of children, especially in rural communities where access to cultural resources may be limited. This article examines the "Roots and Wings" program, an innovative project designed to enrich the cultural education of rural children through direct and experiential activities. Through storytelling and folklore workshops, cultural preservation projects, local art and history sessions, children's festivals and partnerships with schools, the program aims to strengthen children's ties with the cultural heritage of their community. The study uses mixed methods, including participatory observations and questionnaires, to assess the impact of the program on children's knowledge, appreciation and application of cultural values in everyday life. Preliminary results suggest a significant improvement in understanding and appreciation of local culture, as well as an increase in confidence in one's own creative and social skills. The article argues that such programs can serve as valuable models for integrating culture into the educational curriculum, having the potential to transform children's perspective on cultural heritage and positively influence their behavior.