What turns the residents of a county into a true community? Shared experiences, lived traditions, and curiosity about one another can all become powerful forces that connect towns and the people who live in them. The project “Our County, Our World” strengthened this sense of belonging in Komárom-Esztergom County in a vivid, engaging, and lasting way.
Imagine being able to explore all 76 settlements of the county with a single click. A presentation film was created for every town and village, showcasing both the diversity and unity of the region. These films highlight local facts and interesting stories while capturing the atmosphere that explains why this part of the country is so beloved.
And for those who prefer listening to stories, dozens of radio programs presented the county’s values, notable figures, and community initiatives. Each episode offered new perspectives, often encouraging listeners to see familiar towns and places in a completely different light.
The project also created opportunities for personal encounters. Community-building programs, excursions, and themed events brought together residents from different parts of the county. Librarians, anglers, and wine enthusiasts met, talked, and shared experiences. Programs organized by the Slovak, German, and Roma national communities highlighted the rich cultural heritage shared by those who live here.
News and updates were continuously shared on the county’s identity website, where the settlement films were also made available online. This allows anyone to explore the county’s values anytime in the digital space. The County Values Registry application was also further developed, offering another way to discover the region’s natural and cultural treasures. In addition, the County Values Calendar was created to remind audiences day by day of important anniversaries connected to the region.
Special attention was given to young people as well. The board game and sticker book “Ripa and Friends: The Great Treasure Hunt in Komárom-Esztergom County” introduces children to the county’s values in a playful and engaging way. The future and development of any region depend on whether the younger generation not only knows their homeland, but truly comes to love it.
Efforts were also made to make the county’s values accessible in book form. The publication “Legendary Films, Legendary Locations” presents movies filmed in the region. County Values Books I–II collect the county’s treasures, while the trilingual County Book offers a comprehensive overview of the history of all 76 settlements. These volumes can also serve as inspiring guides for exploration.
The project “Our County, Our World” demonstrated that the strength of a community lies in the moment when strangers realize they share the same roots, similar ways of thinking, and common values in the very place where they live their lives. And in that moment, they can proudly say: this is our world.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project TOP-5.3.2-17-KO1-2021-00002 under the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
