The project responds to the problem of the lack of educational, integration and activation activities aimed at children, young people and senior citizens in the Zakliczyn commune. Children living in the municipality have limited opportunities to develop their civic competences due to their place of residence (rural areas), low material status of families, digital exclusion and lack of local cultural and educational institutions. Among NGOs dedicated to children, there are only sports clubs and a chess club. At the same time, there is a growing number of senior citizens at risk of social exclusion due to living in rural areas, loneliness, emigration of relatives, etc.
The Project Promoter conducted a series of social and civic workshops for children from day-care centres in Filipowice and Gwoździec and for seniors forming a Self-Help Group. Senior citizens produced 3 issues of Bez Barier magazine, which was distributed locally. Half-day camps for children focused on developing local identity were organised, and School Volunteer Clubs were initiated with monthly workshops. There were also study visits – senior citizens met with the Tarnów Senior Citizens’ Council, and children visited the Sejm, the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Jazdów estate in Warsaw, where the local Open Jazdów initiative is active. A picnic was also prepared to promote the project and integrate the local community.
The project involved 36 children (aged 6-14) and 15 seniors from the Zakliczyn municipality. Thanks to their participation in workshops and meetings, both groups strengthened their sense of agency, developed social and civic competences, increased their knowledge of social activity, especially at local level, and established relationships. Participation in the project has undoubtedly contributed to the greater activity of both children and young people, as well as seniors.