On Friday, December 12, 2025, students from the Department of Social Work held the last intergenerational workshop with the elderly residents of the Jimbolia Nursing Home.

​The activity is part of the COBLAGES project and aims to stimulate active participation for students and seniors through intergenerational co-creation of community projects and the promotion of active citizenship.

Thus, social actions are strongly encouraged by promoting healthy aging throughout life.

Last week, the CoblAges consortium gathered in Bucharest, Romania for the final transnational project meeting, hosted by EASI – European Association for Social Innovation.

Over the two days, we were reviewing our work so far, consolidating final action points and discussing sustainability strategies and future collaboration opportunities related to community-based learning and ageing. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited to see how CoblAges will continue to grow beyond its official end.

​A big thank you to all partners for their commitment and collaborative spirit!

​Afaor : Asociación de Alzheimer de Ourense (the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s Patients of Ourense) collaborates with the COBLAGES project. Founded in 1995, this association is a comprehensive service center dedicated to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to their families and caregivers.

AFAOR regularly collaborates with the University of Vigo, supporting the training of Social Educators and Social Workers in all matters related to Alzheimer’s disease and, more broadly, to ageing.

On this occasion, two groups of university students come together with two groups of AFAOR members to share concerns and reflections that bring both generations closer.
In these intergenerational workshops, each intergenerational group focused on a central theme.

​One group explored the inclusion of psychologists within the educational system, discussing the importance of integrating psychological support into schools. The other group addressed the responsible and non-abusive use of the internet in our society, reflecting on digital awareness and the need for conscious, healthy online practices.

The CoblAges Project at the University of Vigo has entered its intergenerational practice phase.

One of the university groups that travelled to Lodoselo is taking part in six sessions, held throughout November and December, engaging in a debate with older residents of the village. The agreed topic is “care”, contrasting life in the village — supported by the community-based coexistence, participation, and care services promoted by Cdr O Viso — with aging in unfamiliar urban environments or in residential facilities that are equally distant from the reality of rural community life.

​On the occasion of the Magosto festival for San Martiño, the youth and elderly groups were joined by participants of other ages and generations, creating a genuine expression of intergenerational coexistence, enriched by popular culture and the typical products of autumn.

The intergenerational program is progressing well!

In Session 2, participants shared life stories around the themes of digital transition, climate change, and rural development.

​In Session 3, the discussion was guided by photographs, using a photo elicitation exercise.
Learn more about the COBLAGES methodology, available here.

​In September and October, the CoblAges Intergenerational Citizenship Workshops will begin!

These sessions will bring together older adults and higher education students in rural communities across Portugal, Spain, Romania and Turkey.

​The workshops will provide spaces for intergenerational dialogue and knowledge sharing, promoting active citizenship, respect for diversity, and the collaborative development of solutions to local challenges.

​Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new phase!

At the end of this year, the Intergenerational Citizenship Workshops will be held in rural communities, aiming to prepare higher education students for an ageing world.
Between May and July, the CoblAges project team, in Portugal, Spain, Romania and Turkey, implemented multidisciplinary training for the facilitators of these workshops.

The training brought together higher education professors, community managers and student representatives, equipping them with:
• The CoblAges methodology
• Tools and activities to conduct the workshops
• Strategies to foster intergenerational dialogue and active citizenship

​These actions have created an international network of facilitators prepared to promote the CoblAges methodology.

During the CoblAges training in Viseu (Portugal) in February 2025, students from across Europe came together to exchange knowledge, build new skills, and connect across generations. 🌍✨

We are excited to share a short testimonial video where participants reflect on their experiences and the impact of collaboration 💡👩‍🦳👨‍🎓.

​We hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us! 💙

👉 Stay close to our website and social media pages to find out more about CoblAges!

On May 8, members of the Coblages team from the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, University of Vigo and Aproximar met at the 1st International, Professional and Interuniversity Congress on Social Education. It took place at the University of Santiago de Compostela, a wonderful place for crativity and innovation.

We discussed about the methodology for using CBL as a tool for Intergenerational Citizenship in preparing higher education students for an ageing world.

To learn more, see the guide available here!

From February 11-13, all COBLAGES partners gathered in Viseu with their students to kick off an enriching training course and our TPM.

Our journey began with a vibrant city tour of Viseu, soaking in the beauty and history of this charming city. Then, we explored the Encoberta Association, discovering its inspiring activities and deep-rooted cultural heritage.

​To end the day on a delicious note, we enjoyed a cultural exchange, where each country shared its traditional dishes! A perfect day filled with learning, laughter, and connection.

Stay tuned to follow our students’ activities and training in the coming days!