Description
Small villages struggle in Somogy county because of the lack of jobs, vanishing traditional handcrafts, missing long-term possibilities that contributes to and is exacerbated by the exodus of young people. The project aims to provide local village people (especially youth) practical knowledge and expertise in long-term sustainable handcraft and agriculture techniques that would ensure them living opportunities meeting ecological considerations. Activities will include handcraft and agriculture courses, practical exercises as well as summer camps that will enhance not only personal skills but will have a positive effect on the local communities and local level social and economic cooperation alike.
Summary of project results
The project addressed complex and interwoven problems of remoted rural areas of Hungary’s Somogy county including depopulation, aging, lack of appropriate working and substinence opportunities, declay, regression of traditional farming and craftsmanship, and aimed at providing technological know-how and developing skills for younger families seeking to stay or move to a given area of 5 different villages. The main outcome of the project was the provision of 9 different training serials in pottery, leather and wood craftsmanship, sewing, orcharding, stove building, cheese making, mushroom and herb inspection, collection and processing with altogether 169 classes, and involving 125 different citizens, who were trained for the application of these professions at least for a basic level enabling and empowering them to start new careers. Besides, the project involved the renovation of a community building as a venue for the trainings, the renovation of a wooden bell tower having symbolic importance for the locals, and a set of community building events with the aim of motivating locals to participate in the trainings and renovation works.
Summary of bilateral results