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General Conditions
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Working with Older Volunteers in Manual Intergenerational Projects
Sufficient insurance cover should be guaranteed for all participants. This
is usually provided by the sponsors of the project. In case of a cooperation
with schools, the children are fully insured, if projects are assigned as
school events.
The overall exchange schedule should not be too tight. Breaks should accommodate
the need of the elderly for more rest and leave room for unforeseen
events.
Walking distances should be kept short to prevent difficulties and a loss
of time.
The accommodation should also comply with the expectations of the elderly
and their financial means (single rooms with bathroom, a high degree
of comfort, or alternatively in family accommodation). Accommodation
in conference hotels, reasonable guest houses or hotels is advisable. A
home stay in families may contribute to the project goal of intercultural
communication, but could perhaps be too strenuous for many participants
following a long day of manual work, programme events and joint meals.
Sometimes family accommodation is expected, but sometimes hosts and
guests consider this form of accommodation too “cramped”. This is a sensitive
matter and should be discussed and clarified with the guest group.
Sometimes, particularly for guests from Eastern European countries, the
exchange poses a financial problem. A cup of tea or a glass of beer could be
considered very expensive. In case project means are unavailable for these
kind of expenses, other participants can be asked whether they want to invite
a guest. Another possibility involves paying money into a small fund,
which covers the round of beverages for everyone.
“Safety sensitivity” is an important factor in English-speaking countries.
For instance, some mentors of intergenerational exchanges are requested
to present certificates of good conduct. This matter should be clarified
early on.
Work Planning for Practical Manual Projects
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The selection of participants and cooperation partners is carried out by
planning the subprojects. It is absolutely essential to include the participating
elderly of the host group and the contact persons of schools during
the first planning phase. This entails a larger work identification and thus
a higher level of motivation. It also discloses the beneficiaries’ needs and
enables the inclusion of creative ideas of different participants. At least two
planning meetings are recommended, one of which should take place on
site in order to get acquainted with the environment (school, workshop,
premises).
Set of Methods 121