2nd Regional Stakeholder Meetings in Olsztynek (PL)
As part of the ongoing INSPIRE – Innovative and Smarter Policy Instruments for Rural Europe project, two important Regional Stakeholder Meetings were held in Olsztynek, Poland, in February 2025. These meetings aimed at strengthening intergenerational cooperation within rural communities, bringing together local stakeholders to discuss opportunities, address challenges, and explore solutions that can improve the quality of life for both youth and seniors in the region.
The first Regional Stakeholder Meeting, held on February 24th, focused on the role of youth in the future development of the Olsztynek commune. The meeting brought together the Youth City Council and local government representatives, including the Deputy Mayor, to discuss youth involvement in rural projects. A key theme was the importance of youth not only participating in initiatives for their own age group but also engaging in collaborative efforts with older generations.
Members of the Youth City Council expressed a strong desire to engage in intergenerational activities, particularly those that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between youth and seniors. It was noted that while young people in Olsztynek already have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, they are eager to expand their involvement in community initiatives that bridge generational divides.
The second meeting, held on February 26th, focused on the active involvement of seniors in the Olsztynek commune and the potential for fostering intergenerational cooperation. Attendees included members of the Olsztynek Seniors Council, the Deputy Mayor of Olsztynek, and the Director of the Municipal Social Welfare Centre (MOPS). The key objective of the meeting was to explore joint initiatives between seniors and youth, particularly in areas such as food management, support for isolated individuals, and assistance for students.
The discussions revealed the strong engagement of seniors in a variety of community activities, such as training, workshops, and social events. However, there was a shared recognition of the increasing need to address loneliness among seniors, especially those living alone. Enhancing access to services, such as meal delivery, was identified as a priority. Participants emphasized the potential for intergenerational initiatives that could not only address seniors' needs but also benefit younger residents, particularly students, by providing meals prepared following dietetic principles.
The importance of developing intergenerational initiatives that provide mutual benefits for both groups and a shared interest in tackling the social isolation of seniors was underscored. Furthermore, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the needs and expectations of both seniors and youth, electronic surveys will be distributed to gather feedback from a wider group of participants. These surveys will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and collaborative efforts between generations in Olsztynek.
Looking ahead, both groups are committed to continuing their dialogue and collaboration. Participants agreed to stay informed about upcoming meetings, training sessions, and future projects. They aim to ensure ongoing engagement and mutual support for initiatives that benefit both generations by exchanging information and extending invitations to the INSPIRE upcoming events.