InterGenic Erasmus+: Bridging Generations for a Sustainable and Digital Future
The InterGenic Erasmus+ Project is an innovative European initiative that promotes intergenerational learning to address the challenges of the modern digital and green transitions. By bringing together young and older adults in collaborative learning environments, InterGenic empowers communities, fosters mutual learning, and cultivates skills for a sustainable, technology-driven future.
About the Project
InterGenic stands for the integration of intergenerational knowledge exchange to tackle key societal challenges. The project aims to bridge the gap between generations, encouraging youth to share digital skills while older adults pass on traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.
- Duration: 01 December 2023 – 30 November 2025
- Funding: Erasmus+ Programme
- Partners: Spain, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Ireland, and local organizations such as AgeCare CY
- Target Groups: Youth (18–30) and older adults (55+) interested in learning and sharing knowledge
Objectives
The InterGenic project is guided by four main objectives:
- Promote Intergenerational Learning: Foster collaboration between youth and seniors, creating a mutual learning environment.
- Support Digital Transition: Equip older adults with essential digital skills for modern life, including online communication, digital tools, and basic IT literacy.
- Advance Green and Sustainable Practices: Encourage youth to learn from older generations about traditional sustainable practices and eco-friendly living, while promoting community-based environmental projects.
- Empower Communities: Through mentoring programs and joint projects, strengthen local communities by combining the energy and innovation of youth with the experience and wisdom of older adults.
How the Project Works
InterGenic follows a hands-on, project-based approach, combining workshops, training sessions, and real-life activities:
- Digital Mentoring: Young participants mentor older adults in digital skills, from social media and email to online learning platforms.
- Sustainability Mentoring: Older adults share traditional techniques in areas like gardening, crafts, energy-saving practices, and local heritage conservation.
- Community Projects: Intergenerational teams collaborate on projects addressing local needs, combining digital tools and sustainable solutions.
- Training Package: A comprehensive, multilingual training package is developed to guide both youth and senior mentors, ensuring the approach is replicable across Europe.
Expected Outcomes
InterGenic is designed to generate long-lasting impact for both participants and communities:
- Skills Development: Seniors gain confidence and autonomy through digital literacy, while youth acquire valuable mentoring and leadership skills.
- Social Inclusion: Strengthening intergenerational bonds reduces isolation among older adults and fosters civic engagement among youth.
- Sustainability Awareness: Participants contribute to environmental initiatives and learn practical green practices.
- Scalable Model: The training methodology and tools developed will be freely available for wider adoption across Europe.
Why InterGenic Matters
Europe is facing a dual challenge: the rapid digitalization of society and the urgent need for sustainable living practices. InterGenic addresses both by:
- Creating mutual learning opportunities between youth and older adults
- Equipping older generations with digital skills essential for modern society
- Preserving traditional knowledge that promotes sustainability and local heritage
- Empowering communities to innovate together, strengthening social cohesion