Din L-Art Helwa Youth members have just concluded another successful exchange programme with its French partners, Union Rempart for the fourth consecutive year.

The project which took place last September was entitled, ‘Maltese and French Youth for the Restoration of European Heritage.’ A group of 8 French and 8 Maltese volunteers worked and lived together for 2 weeks in Picardie, France.

In previous years the exchange had been held in Qrendi, Malta. There the youth had the unique opportunity to work on the chapel of Tal-Hniena, which dates back to the 17 th Century and learn the traditional skills of laying deffun and pointing with lime mortar.

This year, it was decided to take the project a step further and reciprocate the working programme with the French partners and so the event was held in Coucy, France where parts of a Gate of the 13C Fort were restored.

DLH said that the youth exchanges focus on inspiring voluntary initiatives among youth and encouraging an active role in society as European citizens. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage awareness and a sense of responsibility and recognition of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, not only on a national level but across borders.

The 2012 Din l-Art Helwa Youth exchange project was funded by the EU Youth in Action Programme. After having been recognized for Best Practice in 2012 , this year’s Coucy project was again made possible through EU Youth exchange funding projects.

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