5 November. On Friday 29 October, the International Course on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Culture came to a close. The 19 participants received their certificate at a moving farewell celebration in the presence of all ICCROM staff and partners.

During the fourth week, participants learned the fundamental principles of risk management for cultural heritage and how this applies to conflict situations. This was followed by a full-day workshop on personal safety organized by the Centre for Safety and Development (CSD), an organization that trains humanitarian workers on security awareness. Following this, participants had the opportunity to discuss ethical considerations of working as a heritage professional in times of conflict. In a practical, hands-on exercise, they delivered essential first aid treatments to objects damaged by water, mud, mould, soot, and ash. The week ended with a presentation by the Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation Division of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance in crisis situations.

During the fifth week, course participants took part in a three-day communication skills workshop, which included practical sessions on giving interviews under pressure, delivering short talks, and developing training objectives. This was followed by a special lecture by Mounir Bouchenaki on the role of international organizations when cultural heritage is deliberately targeted, drawing from his extensive experience in former Yougoslavia, Afghanistan, and Cambodia.

Participants then had a full day with INTERSOS, a Rome-based humanitarian organization with worldwide operations, to understand how emergency response operations are planned and how cultural heritage professionals can work within this network. The week ended with a visit to the National Central Library in Florence, which graciously extended an invitation to the group. Participants learned from the institution’s experience in salvaging paper-based materials following the famous 1966 flood.

The sixth and final week of the course was devoted to post-conflict situations and how cultural heritage can be used in the recovery process as a tool for development. Participants also discussed UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and the limits of normative action in conflict areas. Each participant gave a five-minute presentation of what they intend to do when they return to their home countries. Many expressed a desire to strengthen networks, focus on training and launch awareness-raising initiatives. As a final exercise, a post-conflict simulation was organized on ICCROM premises. The roof terrace was converted into the scene of bomb explosion, and participants were given the task of salvaging and recovering a collection of culturally sensitive objects while dealing with challenges imposed by a group of actors who assumed the roles of government officials, media and photographers, military, and local custodians.

For the past six weeks, 19 participants from 18 countries have made ICCROM their home. They built on their diverse experiences to create new knowledge. It was a powerful and touching experience for all who were involved. During the final days, many echoed the course motto: “Culture cannot wait.”

Here is what some of the participants had to say about the course:

“We learned not only to preserve objects but also to build bridges, between countries, cultures and people.”

“My heart and mind is full of contacts and shared experiences from all over the world and from different professionals.”

“The first big change in my Life was the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. The second is this course…”

“A step toward the future.”

“One of the most interesting experiences in my life.”

“This course for me is a keyhole on a big heavy door through which I could see a green path.”

 “It was great to meet and become friends with so many professionals from all over the world.”

“I believe that I will continue to experience the benefits of this journey for years to come.”

Member States represented: Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Colombia, Finland, France, Georgia, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Serbia, Sweden, United States.

updated on: 5 November, 2010