Senior shopping online

The next computer classes are behind us. The computer for seniors is becoming more and more friendly. Seniors are more active online.

During the last computer classes organized as part of the “E-Senior 2” project, project no. 2022-1-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000067331, seniors got acquainted with the most popular shopping platforms Allegro and OLX. They have found that online shopping allows them to conveniently buy what they need at a convenient time, from the comfort of their home, compare prices and even get to know the opinion about the product before buying. There is also no need to carry heavy goods, because what you order will be delivered straight to your door. Project participants overcome a barrier that seemed impossible to cross when they started their adventure with online shopping.

Training for foster families in Poland – “Initial building of good relations between foster parents and children”

From 23 to 27 January 2023. in Żory, Poland, a training entitled “Initial building of good relations between foster parents and children” was held for foster families from Poland, Portugal and Lithuania. The training was conducted as part of the project „Conscious Parent Academy – Replacement parent urgently needed!” project number 2020-1-PL01-KA204-082283.

During the training, participants gained knowledge on the following topics:

  • organization of foster care in Poland,
  • building good relations between foster parents and children,
  • upbringing in a foster family,
  • building good relationships in a peer group.

The above topics were discussed during:

– training classes at the Municipal Library in Żory,

– study visits to professional foster families from Żory,

– study visit to the day support center – Children’s Home “Horyzont” in Żory.

During the workshops in the “Horyzont” Hall, all participants took part in active intercultural and intergenerational integration using the “Klanz” method, which is based on multidirectional activity combining movement, music, dance, art and cognitive activities. The following were used for this purpose:

– games related to the organization of initial situations (establishing contact with the group),

– playing with an animated scarf, during which the participants additionally learned the names of colors in different languages ​​(English, Polish, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Ukrainian).

Families were also presented with the forms used in sociotherapy concerning work on emotions and team integration. Participants learned what primary emotions are and how to call these emotions in the above context. The tools used in team building, i.e. the circle of communication and the circle of cooperation, were also discussed.

During the training, the foster families, in addition to expanding their knowledge, had the opportunity to visit the City of Żory, the City Museum in Żory, the Historic Ignacy Mine in Rybnik, the Historic Palace and Park Complex in Pszczyna, the European Bison Farm and the open-air museum in Pszczyna and historic Krakow.

“I think that the training for foster families was very good, fruitful and useful. Thanks to this training, foster families could learn about the functioning of foster care in another country, thanks to which they can understand, appreciate and see the differences and similarities. In addition, foster families had the opportunity to share their own thoughts, observations and problems resulting from performing their functions, thanks to a joint conversation they understood that they are not alone and all foster families face similar problems. I also consider the classes in the “Horyzont” common room to be very successful, where there was a lot of integration through fun and laughter. Many tasks related to building relationships, trust, recognizing emotions and their meaning. It was a nice experience because of multiculturalism – a lot of positive emotions and breaking down barriers in relationships.” – said one of the trainers about the training.

Each day the participants of the training became more and more integrated with each other and with the teachers. Participants of the classes gained a lot of practical knowledge and techniques of building good relationships that they will be able to use in their families.

Deutsch macht Spaß, or German for fun

The second semester of free German language learning for seniors was a success.
Seniors participate in classes with great enthusiasm and interest. Meetings take place in a very nice and friendly atmosphere. Good fun, lots of laughter and of course great practice in different communication situations make learning German a pleasure “Deutsch macht Spaß!”

Topics covered in this semester included:
• Money; cash and non-cash payments, ATM service.
• Past tense “Präteritum” of irregular verbs.
• Day schedule.
• Christmas – vocabulary, wishes, gifts.
• Restaurant – placing an order.

German language classes are carried out as part of the European Solidarity Corps program entitled “Learning foreign languages is fun” – 2021-2-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000040177.

The flavors of Jewish cuisine

Jewish cuisine is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. It is devoid of beef and pork fat. Traditional Jewish dishes are very diverse, often based on fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as legumes.

Recently, at culinary workshops organized as part of the project “World on a Plate”, project no.: 2021-2-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000040182, the lecturer, introduced seniors to the world of Jewish cuisine. As part of cultural activities, she introduced the participants of the project to Jewish culture in various corners of the world, characteristic Jewish dishes and their method of preparation, origin and meaning.

In the next part of the classes, the seniors had the opportunity to learn about both the methods of preparation and the flavors of Jewish dishes, such as:

  • CYMES – Jewish carrot,
  • CZULENT – goulash meat and vegetable dish,
  • HAMANTASCHEN – Jewish cookies are also called “Haman’s Ears”.

We invite you to watch a short photo report from the culinary workshops of Jewish cuisine.

Computer classes for seniors on the use of Canva

On January 26, 2023, computer classes for seniors on the use of the Canva program were held as part of the project “It’s never too late to learn” project number: 2021-1-PL01-KA122-ADU-000021044.

During the classes, project participants learned the basic functions of the Canva graphic program. They got acquainted with the main principles of design. They learned the basics of composition, choosing colors and processing photo materials. Knowledge of these issues allowed them to create their own graphics, e.g. Christmas cards for loved ones.

During the classes, many questions were asked by seniors, which indicates that modern technologies are a challenge for them, which they are happy to face.

Seniors are eager to acquire new knowledge. Age is not an obstacle for them because it is never too late to learn.

Preparatory visit to Sweden

The organizers of the project “Senior open to the world” No. 2022-1-PL01-KA122-ADU-000071920 have just returned from a preparatory visit to Sweden. The stay of people coordinating the project was aimed at the best possible preparation for the mobility of adults in Malmo. Getting acquainted with: the EU Mobility host organization, the city and “day rooms” for Swedish seniors, etc. – all in order to be able to organize mobility for Polish seniors in the best possible way, which will take place in May this year.

After the visit, it’s time for detailed mobility plans. We are sure that the activities and attractions we are preparing will appeal to our seniors!

Meeting with a psychologist

On Friday, January 20, 2023, a meeting of seniors with a psychologist was held as part of the “World on a Plate” project – project number: 2021-2-PL01-ESC30-SOL000040182.

The topic of the meeting was the nutritional problems of the elderly. During the classes, typical nutritional mistakes of seniors were discussed. Nutritional recommendations for the elderly are also presented. Table manners were also considered.

At the end of the classes, seniors in subgroups solved a quiz on the topic of the classes. For the best there is a prize – a jar of homemade orange jam.

Congratulations to the winners.

Calendar in the colors of life

Beautiful, colorful calendars have come out of the printing press and are already rushing, among others to the Transport Technical School No. 4 in Sosnowiec to decorate more than one room of the participants of the “Colors of Life” project.

The calendar for 2023 has been designed in a manner consistent with the course of the project. The appearance of each of the twelve months is devoted to the topics of diseases, well-being and tolerance, just as it was during the project. In each month, important dates related to the previously mentioned issues were marked.

The calendar was created to disseminate the results of the “Colors of Life” project No. 2021-1-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000036535 implemented as part of the European Solidarity Corps.

Movement is health and it is at all ages

Physical exercise and care for the condition of seniors are one of the pillars of the implemented project “Young at heart” – project number: 2022-2-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000091172. Classes are held bi-weekly on Wednesdays. They are conducted by project initiators acting as experienced trainers. During the classes, each participant has a mat, a roller and an exercise band at their disposal.
The intensity of classes is adapted to people over 65 plus.

During the last class, seniors were given sets of gymnastic exercises that they can do both in class and on their own at home. The sets show warm-up and mobilization. These exercises are mainly intended to improve joint mobility and prepare the muscle for the target work during physical activity.

All seniors participate in sports activities with great commitment.

Moving is healthy! Also for the elderly.

“Tell me…” about your feelings

 During the holidays, Technical School of Transport No. 4 in Sosnowiec is teeming with life! Students of classes: 3TT and 3KT continue the implementation of the Polish-Dutch project “Tell me…”, which takes place as part of the Erasmus+ program. It is implemented by the SMART Education Foundation and co-financed by the European Union. During the first two days of the holidays, a group of 16 young people participated in workshops aimed, among other things, at deepening the awareness of one’s own and other people’s emotions, feelings and attitudes, as well as shaping the ability to cooperate, developing the ability to cope with difficult emotions and stress. The classes were conducted by specialists from the Creativity Factory, who, in addition to discussions, brainstorming and drama, worked using the case study method, while using elements of choreotherapy and art therapy. It was creative, fun and informative at the same time, for which we would like to thank the workshop leaders – Mrs. Jola Łysakowska and Mr. Tomasz Gluźniewicz.