Intergeneracionalidad en asignaturas del Grado de Trabajo Social, UdL, 2024-25

"Thank You, Grandpa, Grandma" collects stories and memories from students who wanted to express their gratitude towards their older adult role models. It consists of:

• Photographs and personal messages that capture unique and unforgettable moments.
• Stories in a “two-voice” format, where both young people and older adults share the lessons and experiences that connect them, highlighting the reciprocity of these relationships.
• A celebration of intergenerational bonds that transcend family boundaries, including friendships, neighbors, teachers, or other figures who have been a source of inspiration and support.

Additionally, the project also gives grandparents a voice to express their gratitude towards their grandchildren, recognizing all that they receive from them.

 Thank You, Grandpa, Grandma is not just a tribute. It is also an invitation to reflect on the importance of older adults in shaping our identity and values, and a reminder to keep this essential bond alive in our lives.

We invite you to visit the full project at the following link:

 https://sites.google.com/view/projectegraciesaviagraciesavi/inicio

To create and strengthen the bond between young people and older adults, various activities have been organized:

• Initial sessions with group dynamics, designed to break the ice, promote mutual understanding, and create a space of trust and respect.
• Work on ageism, a key topic for reflecting together on stereotypes and prejudices towards older adults and young people.

One of the highlights of the project has been the creation of an intergenerational podcast, where young people and older adults have shared reflections and experiences on topics of common interest:

• Grief.
• Rural and urban life.
• Women's empowerment.
• Sexuality.

This process has been enriched by the classes taught by professor and musician Antoni Tolmos, who has guided the participants in the art of podcast production, providing them with the technical and creative tools needed to bring their ideas to life.

The project was concluded with a closing party open to all participants of the sessions. During the celebration, the created podcasts were listened to, and the work done together throughout the entire process was appreciated.

This project has been made possible thanks to the collaboration and guidance of social educator Anna Gibert and social worker Lourdes Manrique, from the 'Siempre Acompañados' program, who have shared their expertise to make this initiative a transformative experience for all parties involved

The students, organized into small groups, prepared and led three workshops on topics of interest for the senior participants, selected together with the organization:

• Ageism: reflections on the prejudices and stereotypes associated with age and how to combat them.
• Social skills: strategies to strengthen interpersonal relationships and improve communication.
• Sexuality: a space to openly discuss sexuality in adulthood, breaking taboos and promoting a positive outlook.

Each workshop was held with small groups, made up of a dozen older adults, who actively participated in the proposed dynamics and activities. This smaller format fostered an atmosphere of trust and open dialogue, promoting connection between the participants and the students.

The experience has been guided and supervised by the coordinator of the Lleida delegation of Amics de la Gent Gran, Jordi Bergé, who has been a key figure in ensuring the activities were adapted to the needs and interests of the participating older adults. This collaboration has been a valuable opportunity for the students to experience the real impact of their socio-educational action.

This project has allowed the students not only to put into practice their skills as future social education professionals, but also to create meaningful connections with the senior participants. In turn, the workshops have provided a space for mutual reflection and learning, demonstrating that intergenerational exchange can be transformative.

The project exemplifies the Social Education degree's commitment to active ageing and social inclusion, key areas also addressed in the PRO-SUEDAD research project.