INTERGENERATIONAL EDUCATION FOR CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE STATUTE OF THE YOUTH AND JUNIOR ACADEMIES OF ALB-MG/ZMM

Abstract

The social, cultural, and technological transformations of the twenty-first century have intensified the challenges faced by institutions responsible for producing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge. In this context, literary academies are increasingly expected to expand their traditional role of safeguarding cultural heritage by contributing to the education of new generations and to the long-term sustainability of cultural organizations. This study analyzes the Statute of the Youth and Junior Academies of the Academy of Letters of Brazil – Minas Gerais Section – Zona da Mata Mineira Branch (ALB-MG/ZMM), interpreting it as an innovative model of non-formal education focused on intellectual development, intergenerational mentoring, and planned institutional succession. A qualitative documentary approach supported by hermeneutic analysis was adopted, drawing on the theoretical contributions of Paulo Freire, Pierre Bourdieu, Lev Vygotsky, Edgar Morin, António Nóvoa, and Dermeval Saviani. The findings indicate that the proposed institutional model integrates literature, arts, scientific research, citizenship, and cultural governance into a permanent educational system that promotes cultural democratization, strengthens cultural capital, and develops young intellectual leaders. The study concludes that the model offers a significant contribution to the renewal of literary academies and to the advancement of sustainable cultural policies centered on youth participation.