Our project addressed the growing generational divide between younger and older secondary school teachers in Europe, where OECD data (2020) show that fewer than 5 % of teachers are under 30. Our goal was to create space for meaningful intergenerational dialogue, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation in school communities. By identifying shared challenges (digital competence, communication styles, and teacher well-being) the project promoted mutual respect, improved digital readiness, and offered practical tools for joint work. Based on these needs, the partnership designed and tested the BridGE training programme in Slovenia and Portugal too. The programme is a structured yet flexible, human-centred model that schools can adopt independently to turn generational diversity into a source of learning rather than a barrier. The project's results were shared through a local event in Veszprém, three national webinars, and institutional channels, ensuring wider impact. By integrating intergenerational dialogue with digital and well-being support, BridGE provides a low-threshold, sustainable solution that schools across Europe can continue to use beyond the project’s lifetime.
We applied for the BridGE Europe project to respond to a common challenge observed across our schools: the increasing gap between younger and older teachers. This divide often led to miscommunication, frustration, and missed opportunities for collaboration. The digital transition in education further widened the gap, with younger teachers feeling isolated or undervalued, and senior colleagues struggling to keep up with new technologies. Beyond technical skills, we also noticed high levels of stress and a lack of support for teachers' emotional wellbeing. We saw a need for structured, age-inclusive training that addresses both the digital and human aspects of teaching. Our aim was to create a space where different generations could learn from each other, reduce tension, and build stronger professional relationships. The project was designed to help schools respond to these needs with empathy, practical tools, and long-term impact.