The main
aim of the project is to bring two different generations together, over 50’s
and Pre School age children, to participate in mutually beneficial activities
which will promote understanding and respect between these generations,
providing an opportunity for adults to improve their experience, knowledge and
competencies whilst also transferring traditions to a younger generation, and
will contribute to creating a more cohesive community in our local areas.
The project
will send/host six Senior Volunteers as an exchange between two organisations
engaged with and active in early years’ education for children of Pre School
ages. The Senior Volunteers will take part in all activities within Pre Schools
and will work alongside and directly with staff, Pre School members and other
local community volunteers. The aim will be to create a long lasting
relationship between the organisations in the partnership.
The main
focus of the activities will be the transfer of traditions between the
generations – the traditional activities will focus on arts and culture. Art and
craft activities can be a powerful way for both younger and older people to
work together and develop skills, and the benefits can be on a personal level
by developing self-esteem, but also on a wider level by building a community
identity. Through this European co-operation the participants will be able to
play a more active role in society and re-engage in learning. The use of arts
and culture to address a wide range of topics will be a great way to make local
and international links and to recover traditions. The theme is multi-lingual
and will be focused on passing down knowledge through traditional art and
cultural activities in the local area and between the two countries. The
organisations in the partnership have strong ‘outdoor learning’ focus, and
incorporate Forest School sessions within educational settings throughout
external workshops. The activities within this project will be focused around
this ethos through skill sharing focused workshops and activities.
The project
will provide the adults with experiences that improve their knowledge and
competences. Many of the volunteers and children whom we work with are socially
and economically disadvantaged; this is due to the rural and isolated nature of
the area where the organisations in the partnership are located. The project
will aim, in particular, to support people in these targeted groups. The
project will benefit those volunteering and respond to the challenges of an
ageing population; by sharing knowledge and experience in return they will
learn new skills, widen their social and community network, challenge any
pre-existing negative stereotypes of growing older, get active, and they will
make a difference not only to the lives of the children but also to their local
communities.
