The main objective of the project was to develop competences and exchange experiences of 15 people from the non-formal education staff of the Kwiatonowice Homini Association, the Wyjdź z Domu Foundation, the INNOVAMENTIS Association and 15 people aged 60+ (seniors, including those with disabilities) from partner organizations in the areas of: civic activity, tolerance towards people with disabilities, promoting the idea of volunteering and seniors’ initiative, and exchanging practices of volunteering organizations in the specificity of different countries. Through the project, the partners aimed to strengthen skills in organizing and promoting senior volunteering, fostering tolerance towards people with disabilities, and promoting the concept of active aging. Another important goal was the development and implementation of local Volunteer Development Plans, which would integrate seniors into local community life. The project also aimed to improve the quality of the organizations' work through the exchange of best practices and mutual inspiration from senior activation methods used in various countries. The implementation of these objectives contributed to the development of participants' social, intercultural, and digital compe
The partner organizations applied for the project because they recognized the urgent need for social and civic engagement among older adults, including seniors with disabilities, and the need to develop the competencies of staff working in non-formal education. Recent years have seen a noticeable decline in the involvement of people aged 60 and over in social and civic life, particularly in smaller towns such as Gorlice and Kwiatonowice, which are struggling with the migration of young people to larger urban centers. The project addressed the identified needs of seniors for greater social integration, combating loneliness, improving memory and cognitive functioning, and encouraging participation in local outreach and volunteering activities. They cited a lack of sufficient activation activities and limited access to public services, culture, education, and transportation, particularly in rural areas. The project also addressed broader social and demographic challenges in Europe – an aging population, the marginalization of seniors, and a decline in pro-social attitudes.