Teenagers in Macao have the possibility to become heritage guides: this year a total of 26 students drawn either from local primary schools or high schools has acquired – after completing training and examinations – the status of “cultural heritage little guide”. They did so under a programme initiated by the Cultural Affairs Bureau that aims to promote the value of Macao’s cultural heritage and the spirit of shared responsibility to protect cultural heritage.

This year’s “cultural heritage little guide” programme was the fourth edition, and was open to those aged between 10 and 14. The programme encompasses theoretical sessions, field trips and the practising of guide skills. All the candidates were instructed by local professionals and specialists in such work.

In these pictures, programme participants are being briefed on the history and architectural features of listed buildings that are adjacent to Senado Square. They include St. Dominic's Church. Field visits enable the young people to reinforce the knowledge they have gained in classroom, helping broaden their outlook on, and understanding of, the value of heritage.

In these pictures, programme participants are being briefed on the history and architectural features of listed buildings that are adjacent to Senado Square. They include St. Dominic's Church. Field visits enable the young people to reinforce the knowledge they have gained in classroom, helping broaden their outlook on, and understanding of, the value of heritage.

Field visits cover sites within the Historic Centre of Macao, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Section of the Old City Walls, Na Tcha Temple, and Lou Kau Mansion. During site visits, programme participants not only get the chance closely to observe the historical settings, but also to improve their own skills as guides.

Field visits cover sites within the Historic Centre of Macao, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Section of the Old City Walls, Na Tcha Temple, and Lou Kau Mansion. During site visits, programme participants not only get the chance closely to observe the historical settings, but also to improve their own skills as guides.

Programme participants pay close attention to architectural details during their visit to the Section of the Old City Walls. It gives them a chance to learn more about the historical and architectural features of this surviving segment of the old city’s original defence structures.

Programme participants have a guided tour of the Mandarin’s House. The site was awarded in 2008 the title of “World Heritage Youth Education Base” by the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITR-AP), via its Suzhou regional centre.

Upon completion of month-long training and upon passing the final examination, programme participants become “cultural heritage little guides”.

The “cultural heritage little guides” can provide guide services to the public at heritage sites, simultaneously honing such skills and making use of the knowledge gained during the programme.