Improving the connection between heritage and young people in archaeological sites in Djémila (Algeria)
An ongoing programme in a remote Algerian town aims to connect the local community with the archaeological site through workshops and activities for young residents.
About Djémila
Djémila was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1982 under criteria (iii) and (iv). The archaeological site of Djémila comprises the remains of an ancient Roman colony founded during the reign of Nerva. The site bears exceptional testimony to the Ancient Roman civilization and is an outstanding example of a type of architectural ensemble illustrating a significant stage in Roman history of North Africa, from the 2nd to the 6th centuries.
The World Heritage property of “Djémila” is located in the outskirts of the modern-day settlement of Djémila.
Improving the connection between heritage and young people in archaeological sites
Since 2003, the Municipality of Djémila and the Museum of Djémila have developed a community programme to connect young people with the World Heritage site. The program is connected with the community group “Association of Friends of Djémila”.
As part of the program, young residents take part in training workshops and activities on the site. The program aims to increase awareness about the World Heritage site and its Outstanding Universal Value, while providing training and education opportunities to the youth. The training increases the participants’ professional opportunities and can contribute to generating local livelihoods.
The programme is implemented thanks to the collaboration with local teachers, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union and the African Union.
Source: Mr Attia Djamal, Museum of Djémila
Contribution towards the implementation of the 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape
The project might contribute towards the implementation of the HUL (Historic Urban Landscape) approach by promoting the protection of urban heritage and increasing the awareness of surrounding communities.
Historic Urban Landscape Tools
Contribution towards Sustainable Development
If fully implemented in accordance with the described plans, the initiative could contribute towards Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- Target 4.7: The initiative aims to improve access to the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including appreciation of cultural diversity and cultural heritage.
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
- Target 8.5: The initiative aims to promote full and productive employment and decent work for local residents, especially young people.
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
- Target 11.4: The initiative aims to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural heritage, by promoting a closer connection between the local community and the archaeological site and educating the local community about the heritage values of the site.
Note: the described potential impacts of the projects are only indicative and based on submitted and available information. UNESCO does not endorse the specific initiatives nor ratifies their positive impact.
- Visit the Museum of Djémila
- Visit the website and Facebook page for the National Office for the Management and Exploitation of Protected Cultural Property (only in French).
- Visit the site Djemila la Belle (Algerian Tourism).
Association des amis de Djémila
Image credits
Cover image: © hamdi bendali / Shutterstock.com
All other photographs: © Association of Friends of Djemila / Museum of Djemila
Note: The cases shared in this platform address heritage protection practices in World Heritage sites and beyond. Items being showcased in this website do not entail any type of recognition or inclusion in the World Heritage list or any of its thematic programmes. The practices shared are not assessed in any way by the World Heritage Centre or presented here as model practices nor do they represent complete solutions to heritage management problems. The views expressed by experts and site managers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Heritage Centre. The practices and views shared here are included as a way to provide insights and expand the dialogue on heritage conservation with a view to further urban heritage management practice in general.
Algeria
4 Quality Education