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TRAMP – Transnational Mobility of Older People in Europe
Some comments by the organisers on the effects of the exchanges
• Culture et Liberté started intergenerational projects four years ago. The exchange in France
took place in Vigy. They used to separate senior citizens and children at Adeppa, now they work
with both together. This is the project’s contribution to the organisation. It was noticed during
all the exchanges that the work got the attention of the outside world. When young people
meet somewhere, it is considered normal. But adolescents meeting elderly people is considered
exceptional. Projects such as these are special and more so in a communal context which could
be observed in France. Other senior citizens approached Adeppa asking whether and how they
could participate.
• As an additional benefit for the participating senior citizen organisations, it was important
to consider the self-interests of these organisations. One of the goals of KLAS, for example,
involved the renovation of the building. Lasting developments included personal friendships,
invitations of Czech pupils to Germany, an invitation of a German school class to Prague as well
as private visits of participants.
• ASCR/KLAS had it easier than the French. It was a “self-contained” club that made it easier to
coordinate. Concerning the exchanges all are very pleased. It was a particularly great experience
for those who had not been allowed to travel in the past. A big event was organised for the town
district. Schools and pupils participated in the planning of the event and its programme. The
women of the family centre also supported the planning of the programme. Maybe it was a bit
hectic, due to the diversity of the programme, but you do something to improve something.
They liked the work of the French colleagues, but it would probably take some time until something
like this developed in the Czech Republic. The headmaster of the vocational school
in Zbraslav was presented with the material from France, because here they also faced the problem
of placing school leavers in jobs. The headmaster would have to contact the government
departments in order to carry out the projects. Everybody is very excited, but it will probably
take a long time.
• Effects in Hamm: The effects on the AGE group are generally positive. The project is still being
talked about. Publicity can be achieved by the cooperation of young and old, even more so, if an
international cooperation can be presented. That is not the way it used to be. It is increasingly
easier to find people interested in intercultural and intergenerational events. Furthermore, there
are various requests from schools wanting to engage in similar projects. Uwe Wehrs fom Hamm
documented the project on camera. The nicest scenes occurred, when children and adults were
working together. “What we learned at AGE was that certain things exist in other countries,
which we can profit from and in fact have already profited from during the projects.”
Renata Hurková, mayoress of Prague /Zbraslv
Everybody communicated using hands, facial play, with a smile, everybody understood each
other well. The participation of the pupils as interpreters was important as well.
The visible and tangible results of the work significantly enriched the public and cultural life
of the district of Prague-Zbaraslav. So much was accomplished and achieved. I can‘t name everything,
but take for example the site for pétanque (boules), gardening, the renovation of the
fence around the building of the senior citizen organisation KLAS. Benches were set up and
our friends from Germany didn‘t hesitate to do decorational work such as paint and varnish
work. It was outdoor work, no matter whether the sun was shining or whether it was raining.
The outcome of all these activities not only involved the visible results, but also the emergence
of new friendships.
The project is very well known in Zbraslav and received a great deal of interest by all citizens
and other (non-profit) organisations. What we very much admire is that the whole spectrum of
citizens of Zbraslav of all generations was included and that many friendships between German
and French senior citizens were established.
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