Heritage education from the university: key to sociocultural transformation in vulnerable communities

Abstract

Historical heritage, besides being the cultural legacy of the past, is a testament to it. Aware of the values cherished by our homeland and its contribution to strengthening cultural identities, this work was developed with the objective of sharing the results derived from actions undertaken by the University of Sancti Spíritus to contribute to heritage education in vulnerable communities. The general method applied was dialectical materialism, based on the Marxist-Leninist theory of knowledge, from which the research was conducted from the heart of educational reality, with the aim of transforming it. Other methods used included: historical-logical, analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive, systemic approach, participatory action research, scientific observation, document analysis, in-depth interviews, and in-depth sessions. Concrete results were achieved from the implementation of the TransformArte project, such as the partial sociocultural transformation of the Jesús María neighborhood, the integration of key cultural and educational stakeholders in the area, and the professional development of students in the program. The main conclusions reached highlighted the potential of heritage education at the university level for sociocultural transformation, the improvement of training for professionals who are emotionally sensitive, reflective, and creative in order to bring about transformation in communities with vulnerable populations, and the reaffirmation of their cultural identity.