FUJIAN TULOU - ENGAGING YOUTH IN WORLD HERITAGE

Project Needs: Fujian Tulous (å''Þ'') are unique Chinese rural dwellings built between the 12th and 20th centuries by the mountainous Hakka people living in Fujian. In China, the Chinese traditional concept called â''Feng-Shuiâ'' focuses on the relationship between human being and nature. Therefore, the Tulous were built with great consideration of the harmony with and respect for their surrounding nature in a very sustainable and energy efficient way, using local materials. They are interdependent with the mountains and rivers and form an ecological connection with nature over time. However, with globalization and the expansion of cities today, the environment is sometime ignored and new structures are being built around the Tulous. Only some number of Tulou are protected, while thousands of less popular Tulou buildings are either abandoned or left vacant in worn out conditions. Moreover, a Tulou is usually inhabited by one family clan of several generations, and the enclosed structure allows for members to work together defending each other. Individual rooms provide privacy, but there are also communal areas, which provides for cultural gatherings and communication. Nowadays, the community dependence is weakening with young inhabitants moving out to the cities for work or for school. Emphasis on private property is growing and villagers prefer living in larger and more modern buildings. With modern society, communities are no longer as tight-knitted. Younger generations are also becoming more disconnected with Tulou and its heritage. Project Aims: â'' Educate local youths on Tulouâ''s heritage and other world heritage from other countries â'' Preserve, protect, and promote Tulou (background, history, heritage, culture, architect) through interaction with the local community children and villagers â'' Enhance international exchange and promote sustainable tourism and development of the Tulou â'' Inspire future changemakers who are impactful towards world heritage preservation and sustainable tourism and/or building structures Work/Activities: â'' Lesson plan and educate local children on the importance of heritage protection through games, activities, music/videos, and other informal methods in a class setting â'' Learn about Tulou (how they are constructed, their history, the local situation and challenges, etc.) â'' Marketing/promotional activities such as creating tools to promote/share/raise awareness about Tulous â'' Share the World/Cultural Heritage of your country with the local people â'' Participate in discussion on changemaking stories or ideas on world heritage preservation, conservation, and sustainable building structures whether they are from your country or from others