A local escape room game themed around Suitu culture provides an interactive way for students to learn about their heritage, through challenges related to local food, music, and geography.
The article highlights the innovative approach taken by Alsunga Arts Primary School in Latvia as part of the cross-border project 'Heritage Engaged'. Students from Ä’dole Primary School were the first to participate in the escape room themed 'Suitu Enchanted Forest', designed to immerse them in local cultural history. The challenges of the game included solving riddles related to various aspects of the Suitu culture such as traditional food, music, and geography. This hands-on experience is seen as an effective educational tool that engages students and allows them to delve deeper into their cultural roots.
The escape room concept not only aims to educate but also makes the learning process enjoyable and interactive. Visual arts teacher Daina Jercuma explained that the project helps to create a special class within Ä’dole where students can explore the area's cultural traditions through such engaging activities. The involvement of local students in the room's design and execution has generated a sense of ownership and pride, as they learn about the Suiti people and their customs.
Feedback from participants indicates a positive reception towards the experience. Students expressed their newfound interest and enjoyment in learning about aspects of Suitu culture they were previously unfamiliar with. By engaging with the culture in such a creative manner, the escape room serves as an effective educational model that not only preserves but also helps to proliferate regional heritage among younger generations, ensuring that such traditions remain relevant in modern-day education.
