From public education to citizen participation: About educational activities and cultural heritage

Abstract

The article discusses the relationship between cultural heritage and education, based on recommendations contained in national and international heritage documents, as well as proposals and experiences disclosed through the publications of academic character. Two fundamental concepts are detected: what binds the educational actions of the need of protection or defense of the cultural heritage, stimulating, therefore, respect and appreciation for it; the conception that articulates such educational activities to the recovery or the empowerment of certain social groups, through the recognition of the cultural heritage they associated, which presupposes the active participation of these groups in the definition of the heritage preserve. Addressed the two conceptions, four propositions understood as relevant to guide educational activities geared to the cultural heritage are highlighted. Finally, on the basis of such propositions, the role of Brazilian universities is discussed, especially the graduate programs in History.