Twenty-three people from Herzegovina and the border areas of Montenegro have successfully completed the training and passed the exam for certified guides according to the ‘Interpret Europe’ methodology within the cross-border cooperation project “Amusing Museums – aMUSeumING” funded by the European Union. Intensive field training began on June 30th in Herceg Novi and ended on July 8th in Jablanica. The training included practical and theoretical work on planning and performing interpretive guidance, acquiring presentation skills, creating stronger memories and new experiences for visitors, which will thus create an unbreakable link with cultural and natural heritage. The training was implemented by a certified ‘Interpret Europe’ trainer, and the details of the training were coordinated with the headquarters in Brussels.
After intensive work, 23 candidates took the professional exam during which they demonstrated the newly acquired knowledge through a written exam and a performance of interpretive speech. During the performance and recording of the interpretive speech, the candidates had to demonstrate the creation of deeper connections between the audience and the object or locality. With the certification, guides will become more competitive in the market and increase the quality of their services, and they can expect greater engagement from tourist groups, agencies and museums. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience the destination in a new way. New experiences will increase the satisfaction of visitors and their number in the region.
Museums and cultural heritage sites in the region will, after certification of their employees and associates, have the opportunity to become more strongly involved in the work of the ‘Interpret Europe’ European platform for cooperation and exchange, which is particularly focused on research and education. This will give museums the opportunity to further improve their services and increase their visibility in the European Union.
The cross-border cooperation project “Amusing Museums” (aMUSeumING) is funded by the European Union within the cross-border cooperation program Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro. The project is jointly implemented by the Association LiNK from Mostar in cooperation with the National Museum of Montenegro (MNE) and the municipality of Jablanica (BiH). The total value of the project is close to 400,000 euros, of which the European Union funds about 300,000 euros (84.47%).