FROM LOCAL TRADITIONS TO DIGITAL STORIES TO CULTIVATE EMPATHY AND CULTURAL AWARENESS

Integrating digital storytelling into cultural education is an innovative approach to cultivating empathy and cultural awareness among students. This study explores how children can be actively involved in documenting local traditions and transforming them into creative digital narratives. By combining storytelling techniques with accessible digital tools, students are encouraged to interact with community members, discover the value of their cultural heritage, and develop essential emotional and social skills. The results of the research highlight the impact of these activities on empathy, collaboration and appreciation of diversity. The findings underscore that such educational initiatives not only enrich students' understanding of their cultural roots, but also equip them with transferable skills needed in the digital age. The paper emphasizes of integrating active and creative methodologies into cultural education in order to ensure a balanced socio-emotional development and a deeper connection with cultural identity.