The Erasmus+ mobility project was hosted by Centro Cultural e Desportivo de São José in Madeira, Portugal. The mobility brought together senior learners and educational staff from Poland, Italy, and Portugal to participate in international language workshops and professional training activities. The project promoted lifelong learning, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation and intercultural cooperation.

The main objective of the language workshops was to develop the basic English language competences of senior participants while supporting their cognitive activity, social integration, and psychological well-being through international educational activities.

The workshops focused on improving communication skills in everyday situations and expanding vocabulary related to daily life, hobbies, culture, geography, and traditions. Participants developed their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills through interactive activities. Language learning was combined with exercises designed to strengthen memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions. Seniors also improved their digital competences through the use of an international e-book.

An important aspect of the workshops was increasing participants’ self-confidence and motivation for lifelong learning. Through active involvement in group activities and international cooperation, seniors were encouraged to overcome social isolation and build relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. The programme promoted teamwork, communication and mutual support.

The intercultural dimension of the project allowed participants to learn about the culture, traditions, and heritage of Poland, Italy and Madeira. Through presentations and cultural exchange activities, they developed openness, tolerance and respect for diversity. The workshops also encouraged active and healthy ageing by promoting participation in educational and social activities.

As a result, senior participants from Poland, Italy and Madeira gained practical language skills, increased their social and intellectual activity, improved their confidence and established new international friendships.

Alongside the workshops, educational staff participated in a professional training course aimed at improving the quality of educational support provided to older learners. The main objective was to enhance professional competences through the exchange of international experiences, the exploration of effective teaching methods for seniors and the joint development of innovative educational materials, including an international e-book supporting English language learning and cognitive stimulation.

The training enabled participants to improve methodologies for teaching older adults and exchange good practices used in partner countries. Staff discussed ways of adapting educational activities to the needs and abilities of seniors and explored approaches supporting inclusive education and learners with reduced cognitive abilities.