Aim of the project was to raise awareness among seniors about key societal issues such as climate and environmental protection as well as digitalization. The focus was not on abstract knowledge transfer, but on making these topics tangible and relevant to everyday life - through activities and methods that reflect the interests, experiences, and abilities of the target group. Learning was designed to take place on equal footing, encouraging mutual exchange and empowering older participants to engage actively and with autonomy. Another key goal was to expand the methods and approaches used by social workers and educators in their work with people aged 55+. By engaging in exchange with partner organizations, the project aimed to bring new ideas, European perspectives, and proven practices into local contexts and to enhance the overall quality of senior work. The project aimed also to actively involve seniors in European projects to strengthen their understanding of European values and solidarity. At the same time, the project supported intercultural exchange to promote mutual understanding and long-term cooperation across communities.
The aim of GREENE was to highlight and further develop the potential of seniors who were already actively engaged in various activities. This target group played a central role for the project partners even before the project began. They were involved in many ways in volunteering, collaborating on reading initiatives, in intergenerational exchanges and taking part in regular community based activities. GREENE responded to clear and demanding needs, particularly by social inclusion. All partner organisations focused on older people living in disadvantaged urban areas, which are often characterised by high social and economic burdens, as well as a high percentage of residents with migrant backgrounds. Many seniors in these neighbourhoods are at risk of social isolation and have limited access to topics such as sustainability and digitalisation, or feel that these topics do not address them. The project made these topics tangible and relevant through practical, accessible approaches. Seniors from culturally diverse and disadvantaged neighbourhoods have a strong need for respectful spaces where they feel secure and can share their diverse cultural identities and life experiences without fear exclusion or being overhelmd.