Building Bridges Through Craft: Erasmus+ and the Siena Conference
Introduction The Erasmus+ project “Craft, Citizenship, and Community” (CCC) is dedicated to fostering social inclusion and professional training through traditional crafts. In collaboration with institutions such as Scuola Edile di Siena, Artemisia Formation, Smiltenes Tehnikums, and Bursa Museums, the project seeks to empower individuals—especially migrants and vulnerable groups—by integrating them into the workforce through craft skills.
A key moment in this initiative was the international conference held in Siena, Italy, where educators, artisans, and researchers gathered to discuss how craftsmanship can be a tool for social and professional inclusion. This event provided a platform for sharing experiences, methodologies, and best practices within the framework of Erasmus+ values: lifelong learning, inclusivity, and intercultural dialogue.
Interview with Fabrizio Funghi:
Craft as a Social and Educational Tool
One of the voices at the conference was Fabrizio Funghi, an educator engaged in projects that merge craft education with social integration. His insights underline the transformative power of craftsmanship in fostering community engagement and professional opportunities.
Craft as a Learning Process Fabrizio highlights how learning a craft is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is also about understanding history, developing problem-solving abilities, and engaging in teamwork. By working with materials and traditional techniques, learners build confidence and a sense of belonging.
The Role of Craft in Migrant Integration A significant focus of the CCC project is how craft education can support migrant integration. Traditional crafts provide a common language that goes beyond words. By working with their hands, individuals from different backgrounds find ways to communicate, share experiences, and develop mutual understanding.
A European Vision for Craft and Inclusion
The Siena conference reaffirmed the commitment of the Erasmus+ program to supporting projects that blend education, culture, and social inclusion. By strengthening partnerships between educational institutions, craft practitioners, and local communities, CCC is shaping a model for inclusive vocational training that can be replicated across Europe.
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