Sharing Intergenerational Relationships in Educational Contexts: The Experience of an International Program in Three Countries (Spain, Poland and Turkey)

ABSTRACT

Schools are settings where intergenerational relationships can be forged in their capacity as microcosms or small communities through cooperative approaches and meaningful learning. This paper outlines the main practical, policy-related, and research implications of intergenerational education programs, based on the experience of the European SACHI (“Sharing Childhood”) project. From the resulting guide to good practices that was drawn up, the generation of synergies should be highlighted as a means of bringing about changes in relationships as opposed to just attitudes. The importance is also raised of a rigorous assessment process.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational programs
• lifelong learning
• intergenerational relations
• learning communities
• program implementation

Funding

This paper is the result of the following project: 2013-1-SE1-GRU06-73424, Sharing Childhood (SACHI), Compartir la infancia. Proyecto intergeneracional 2013–2015. Lifelong Learning Programme. Grundtvig. European Commission. Organismo Autónomo Programas Educativos Europeos (OAPEE)-Spain.

Notes

^1. This age criterion was decided upon with the other partner countries in order to fit in with their social and cultural realities.

Additional information

Funding

This paper is the result of the following project: 2013-1-SE1 GRU06 73424, Sharing Childhood (SACHI), Compartir la infancia. Proyecto intergeneracional 2013 2015. Lifelong Learning Programme. Grundtvig. European Commission. Organismo Autónomo Programas Educativos Europeos (OAPEE)-Spain.