Description:
The project "Work and restoration expertise in the rural areas of Joensuu" is being carried out in close collaboration between the voluntary and public sectors, in which old traditional wooden buildings that are considered nationally or regionally significant from a landscape and/or cultural and/or historical aspect, are being renovated in accordance with accepted restoration principles. The project provides employment for long-term unemployed persons, teaching them renovation skills through work-based learning methods, as well as theoretical instruction about cultural values inherent in the built environment and respect for these. The participants can obtain the vocational qualification of restoration apprentice. Through the project it has been possible to pass on to the next generation virtually forgotten log-building repair techniques and thus enroot the expertise within the area. Other objectives are to increase general appreciation for the cultural environment, disseminating information about the old building culture, restoration and management of the built heritage to the public. The operations of the project have been presented through an exhibition and active information dissemination. At the same time, a general positive attitude has been developed towards the cultural environment and building heritage.