On January 24, 2025, Rhön-Gymnasium in Bad Neustadt became the hub of inspiration and learning as over 50 enthusiastic Grade 12 students gathered for a unique educational event titled “Engaging Young Minds in Cultural Heritage Conservation.” Part of the EU-funded Stećci Project, this dynamic initiative aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of climate change.
The Stećci Project, dedicated to safeguarding the medieval tombstones found in the Balkan region, showcased the importance of international collaboration in protecting vulnerable cultural landmarks. During the event, students explored the environmental challenges facing not only Stećci monuments but also similar limestone heritage sites across Europe, including reference locations in Malta, Austria, France, and Germany.
A Global Call to Action
The event opened with an engaging presentation by Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy, a Research Scientist from the Rathgen Research Laboratory at the National Museums of Berlin. Dr. Fahmy highlighted the urgent need for cooperative global efforts to protect cultural treasures from threats such as rising temperatures, acid rain, and biological colonization. His presentation set the tone for a day filled with discovery, creativity, and practical learning.
A Day of Immersive Learning
The thoughtfully designed agenda combined lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience for the students. Highlights of the day included:
- Through discussions and activities, students learned to distinguish between tangible and intangible heritage, deepening their appreciation of cultural diversity.
- Group activities and case studies explored how environmental factors affect stone monuments, linking global issues to regional and local contexts.
- In a creative exercise, participants analyzed and documented areas of deterioration on a reference gravestone from Kleinbardorf, sharpening their observation skills.
- A hands-on session allowed students to try their hand at stone carving, fostering a connection to historical craftsmanship and the skill required to preserve cultural monuments.
A Lasting Impact
Under the guidance of Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy and Mr. Frank Stürmer, Head of the History Department at Rhön-Gymnasium, students demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and creativity throughout the event. Their curiosity and engagement underscored the potential of young minds to become advocates for cultural preservation.
Dr. Kerstin Vonderau, Head of School, played a important role in ensuring the event’s success, along with the dedication of Mr. Stürmer, who championed this first-of-its-kind initiative. Together, their efforts created an inspiring and seamless experience that left a lasting impression on participants.
A Blueprint for Future Initiatives
This event not only enriched students’ understanding of cultural heritage but also empowered them to take active roles in its preservation. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, the program offered a powerful platform to discuss sustainability and the shared responsibility of protecting historical landmarks for future generations.
The success of “Engaging Young Minds in Cultural Heritage Conservation” sets a benchmark for similar educational initiatives across Europe, proving the value of inspiring young people to embrace the challenges of cultural and environmental conservation.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Dr. Kerstin Vonderau, Mr. Frank Stürmer, Mr. Ali Gürkan, and Mr. Constantin Röhlinger for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication and passion made this event a remarkable success.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy
Rathgen Research Laboratory, National Museums of Berlin
Email: A.Fahmy@smb.spk-berlin.de
Mr. Frank Stürmer
Rhön-Gymnasium, Bad Neustadt
Email: frank.stuermer@rhoen-gymnasium.de