Dusting Heritage- " Conserve the History"

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, and it is considered as one of the most interesting travel destinations on the map of India famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments are breath-taking. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi speaks of the splendour of the Vijaynagar Empire. FSL India has been conducting workcamps in this region since 8 years and has formed a good network of local partners in this region. In cooperation of UNESCO World Heritage Center, FSL-India has organized four “World Heritage Volunteers” camps in Hampi dealing with activities aimed at sensitising young people about World Heritage. The main objective of the workcamp in Hampi would be to spark interest among the local community by involving children and international volunteers in activities that promote sensitivity and respect towards the World Heritage site in Hampi. The focus will be on protection of the cultural heritage and the sites of historical importance and creating awareness among the locals, school children, tour-guides and tourists. FSL India will organize activities for the school children within the boundaries of World Heritage Site: A. Clean up activities around the monuments in Hampi, which are popular among tourists and Pilgrims with an objective to spark an interest among the local community by involving local and international volunteers in activities that promote sensitivity and respect towards the World Heritage site. B. Preparation of Nursery: Planting saplings at the nursery and identify and entrust one child per sapling to look after it. This is a good activity to address a change and involve the local children to plant trees and teach them to look after them and help them survive. C. Organize Drawing competitions for the school children and opening it up to local people by setting up an open gallery. Involve local Authorities, Tour Guide Association, school teachers, and any other potential local partners which would help to build partnership. D. Awareness Walk/Street Play with locals – The volunteers and locals will prepare a skit on heritage conservation and environment issues which will aim at conveying the message on Heritage conservation through acting and mime. The Awareness Walk will be a procession in the main area aiming to spread a message on the importance of ecology, hygiene and conservation.