By implementing the “Treasury of Europe” project, we wanted to increase adult participation in lifelong learning, especially among residents of smaller towns, migrants, and people aged 50+. Our goal was to improve the digital, communication, and social skills of participants and strengthen their belief in their own abilities. We sought to develop innovative methods of non-formal education based on local cultural heritage and creative work. Participants created podcasts, films, texts, and reports, learning through action and cooperation. The key objective was to counteract the marginalization of adults at risk of exclusion through intergenerational and intercultural integration activities. The establishment of Adult Learning Centers (CUD) was intended to ensure the sustainability of the results and the continuation of local education after the end of the project. The project supported the development of social capital, strengthened civic engagement, and promoted European values and cultural diversity in a spirit of community and open dialogue. Strengthened social ties, competencies, and structures allow for continued impact after the end of funding.
We applied to implement the “Treasury of Europe” project in response to the need to increase adult motivation—especially those from smaller towns—to engage in lifelong learning. Adults, including migrants and seniors aged 50+, often face educational barriers: lack of self-confidence, limited digital skills, low participation in culture, and little exposure to non-formal education. The project combined learning with the exploration of local heritage. Together with partners from Italy and Latvia, we established Adult Learning Centres (CUD), which offered practical, locally adapted educational activities. We conducted training in soft skills, self-presentation, assertiveness, planning, teamwork, literary writing, digital content creation, and heritage documentation. Participants created podcasts, films, texts, and photos showcasing their regions and values. The project strengthened local communities, intergenerational dialogue, and intercultural integration. As a result, sustainable tools were developed: a website, publications, a CUD guidebook, and a platform for sharing experiences. The CUD model is scalable and can be successfully implemented in other local contexts across Europe.