Project Code : ESC30-SOL-000274816
Legacy Links (ESC30-SOL-000274816) is a 12-month Solidarity project born out of a shared passion among young citizens in Tyrnavos, Greece, to reconnect with the stories, customs, and traditions that define their local identity. At a time when many rural communities face depopulation, social fragmentation, and a sense of cultural loss, this project acts as a community-rooted response to foster belonging, cultural preservation, and intergenerational dialogue. Through creative tools such as storytelling, comics, oral history, and digital archiving, Legacy Links aims to empower local youth to become active narrators of their collective memory and custodians of their intangible heritage.
The idea emerged from the grassroots team ΑΦΗΓΗΜΑ, a dynamic youth initiative with experience in participatory documentation. Motivated by the visible cultural disconnect in their town, especially among younger generations, the team set out to collect and revitalize stories from older residents, marginalized communities, and local artisans. Drawing inspiration from the success of previous actions like the "Λεξοπλαστική" comic documentary, the project aspires to combine artistic creation with civic participation and inclusivity.
Through a series of interactive workshops, young participants will be introduced to creative and digital tools to document oral stories, explore the history of their town, and create engaging cultural outputs. The activities include the design of participatory maps, the development of a multilingual digital archive, the publication of a community comic book, and the creation of a storytelling website dedicated to the living heritage of Tyrnavos. The methodology blends elements from non-formal education, heritage studies, and creative expression, guided by an expert coach with international experience in multicultural education and artistic communication.
Inclusion and accessibility are central to the project’s design. Special focus is given to the participation of Roma and immigrant youth, ensuring multilingual and multimodal approaches to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. Legacy Links promotes mutual respect and cultural awareness, offering all participants the opportunity to tell their stories in their own voice, with dignity and creativity.
At its heart, Legacy Links is a youth-led movement to reclaim what is at risk of being forgotten. It promotes youth engagement at a local level while strengthening solidarity through collective memory, artistic production, and community-building. By the end of the project, a public cultural event and exhibition will showcase the results, inviting local institutions, families, and international guests to experience the journey of the participants and celebrate the richness of shared heritage.
Legacy Links ultimately aspires to become a replicable model for rural areas across Europe. As the name suggests, it builds links between generations, cultures, and communities — a living legacy shaped by youth, for youth, and with the community. Through its playful yet respectful approach, the project contributes to shaping more inclusive, resilient, and culturally aware European societies.
