Mundus is happy to announce the successful participation of five Spanish and one French youngsters in the recently concluded 'Health, Hiking, and Heritage' (H3) program.
Coordinated by the Italian organization Strauss APS, this 59-day project brought together 45 participants from all over Europe.
Sicily, Italy 2024 – Five Spanish and one French young volunteers participated in the ‘Health, Hiking and Heritage’ (H3) project. This volunteering program was part of the Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas initiative.
The project, which followed the ancient hiking routes of the Via Francigene Siciliane, focused on promoting health, cultural heritage and environmental awareness.
The H3 program, an itinerant action touching rural and isolated communities in Sicily, provided the volunteers with a unique platform to engage in Non-Formal Education activities. These activities, both personal and team-oriented, aimed to enhance well-being and cultural appreciation. The project’s core objectives were successfully met, including:
- Improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations through the promotion of healthy, eco-friendly, and positive lifestyles.
- Contributing to the promotion and protection of Sicily’s rich cultural heritage.
- Raising awareness on health, cultural heritage, nature, and inclusion.
Throughout the project, participants contributed to the H3 platform by creating:
- StepByStep H3: Group travel diaries that documented their journeys and experiences.
- Heritage Tracks: A comprehensive map showcasing the cultural heritage of the Sicilian locations they visited.
- H3 Trails: A final video that captured the essence of their adventure and the impact of their efforts.
The journey included comprehensive training sessions, such as welcome and preparation phases, a mid-term evaluation, and a final evaluation. Continuous personal and group support was provided throughout the project, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful experience for everyone involved. Participants received financial support for accommodation, food, and transportation.
The young volunteers sent by Mundus expressed their immense satisfaction with the H3 program. The combination of physical activity, cultural immersion, and community building proved to be a life-changing experience for the participants. They shared a photo from their last days, showcasing a route through Etna where they even witnessed the volcano in action!
From Mundus, we want to extend our congratulations to our volunteers for their dedication and enthusiasm, and we celebrate their achievements in this remarkable journey of health, hiking, and heritage.