Culture as Catalyst - Building inclusive innovative and resilient communities.

<p dir="ltr">In an era characterised by globalisation and digital interconnectedness, fostering inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities is vital for achieving sustainable development and enhancing social cohesion. Culture plays a crucial role in shaping identities, influencing behaviours, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Local and International Global Goals (LIV) project, a collaboration between VUC Storstrøm (Denmark) and Stellenbosch University (South Africa), was designed as an experiential learning initiative to bridge socio-cultural divides, improve digital literacy, and promote social inclusion. This study examines the impact of the LIV project in developing cross-cultural competence and relational skills among its participants. Guided by the principles of transformational learning (Mezirow, 2009) and critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970), the project emphasises the role of culture in bridging divides, promoting collective well-being, and advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (Zheng et al., 2021).</p><p dir="ltr">The study employs a qualitative research design that combines experiential learning methodologies with participatory and reflective approaches. The research framework is grounded in Kolb’s (2015) experiential learning cycle, Paul and Elder’s (2019) Critical Thinking Model, and community-based participatory research methods. The study involved 40 students (20 from Denmark and 20 from South Africa), along with 8 educators, who engaged in structured dialogues, collaborative storytelling, and immersive experiences designed to facilitate cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. Data was collected through reflective journals, semi-structured focus group discussions, and digital documentation via social media platforms such as Padlet and Instagram. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes in cultural learning, social impact, and the development of a global mindset.</p><p dir="ltr">Preliminary findings suggest that immersive cultural exchanges significantly enhance participants’ cultural awareness, critical thinking skills, and capacity to engage in meaningful social change. Participants reported a heightened awareness of global inequalities, a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, and a stronger commitment to fostering inclusive communities. Through storytelling and experiential engagement, students developed relational skills that transcended geographical and socio-economic boundaries. The findings indicate that participants gained a better understanding of social justice issues, digital literacy, and the role of culture in achieving sustainable development goals. Moreover, participants displayed increased confidence in their ability to take actionable steps towards addressing social inequalities within their respective communities. The programme also highlights the importance of dialogical learning in shaping participants’ perspectives on identity, belonging, and global citizenship.</p><p dir="ltr">The implications of these findings emphasise the need for more structured experiential learning programmes that incorporate culture as a core element in fostering inclusivity and innovation. The study contributes to the expanding body of research that positions culture as a vital driver for resilience, social transformation, and sustainable development.</p>