Description
The project addresses the challenges faced by the elderly people placed in institutions in Tundja Municipality (difficult adaptation, social isolation, poor physical and mental health, limited social life). The project aims at improving the quality of life of the elderly by engaging them in joint activities with volunteers. First, 20 students aged 14-18 will be trained as volunteers to work with the elderly. Second, the elderly will be engaged in 10 joint activities related to gardening, knitting, computer literacy and online communication. Third, the students will help the elderly organize together 2 feasts, take the latter on a virtual trip to other places and on 3 outdoor trips in the wild. Next, a charity market for 150 participants will be held in the town of Yambol. Finally, the staff of the home for the elderly will be trained to boost their motivation. The project will benefit the elderly, the volunteers in Tundja Municipality and the local community in general.
Summary of project results
The main problem addressed by the project is related to the difficult adaptation of the elderly people in the institutions and their isolation from the public life, their deficient intellectual and emotional life, impaired physical and mental health. The project activities included the use of interactive techniques of group work and the use of an individual approach to each participant. 10 thematic meetings were held with 40 participants, 2 public discussions addressing the issues of the elderly and the mechanisms of self-help and cooperation, 3 eco trips with 20 participants, 1 excursion with 50 participants and 2 festive events with 50 participants each. 20 elderly people from old age homes took part in the events; 20 volunteers for work with NGOs were attracted and more than 150 citizens joined the charity campaign. The staff of the old age home was trained. The published project materials reached more than 5000 people. The target group members had the opportunity to take part in almost all project activities. The volunteers acquired new knowledge and skills for work with vulnerable groups and the staff of the old age home raise their motivation and thus the environment in the social institution improved. The elderly people made new social contacts and had the opportunity to communicate and have fun with the volunteers. During the thematic meetings the participants had the opportunity to exchange experience, knowledge and practical skills. The public discussions addressed the issues facing the elderly people placed in institutions. The implementation of the project With Experience to the Future helped expand the experience of ours team in work with volunteers and the elderly. A working model for full physical and personality development of the elderly people placed in institutions was created which can be multiplied and used in other old age homes in other municipalities.
Summary of bilateral results