Meeting in Funchal (Madeira, Portugal)

Training for staff and Workshop for Learners in the Centro Cultural e Desportivo De São José in Funchal (Madeira, Portugal)

Learn English. Train your brain. Age actively

The Centro Cultural e Desportivo de São José in Madeira hosted Polish, Italian, and Portuguese senior learners participating in language workshops, as well as staff members attending a training course under the Erasmus+ project “Enhancing Cognitive Skills and Social Well-Being through English Learning for Seniors.”

International workshop for learners

The main objective of the workshops was to develop seniors’ basic English language skills while simultaneously supporting their cognitive activity, social integration, and psychological well-being through participation in international educational activities involving participants from Poland, Italy, and Portugal.

Specific objectives:

to develop participants’ ability to communicate in simple everyday situations in English;
to expand vocabulary related to daily life, hobbies, culture, geography, and traditions;
to improve listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills at a basic level;
to strengthen memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions through language-learning and educational activities;
to enhance digital skills through the use of an e-book and electronic learning materials;
to increase self-confidence and motivation for lifelong learning;
to prevent social isolation through active participation in group activities and international cooperation;
to develop teamwork skills and foster relationships with participants from other countries;
to promote knowledge of the culture, traditions, and heritage of Poland, Italy, and Madeira;
to encourage openness, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity;
to promote active and healthy ageing through participation in educational and social activities.

As a result, the workshops enabled senior participants to acquire practical language skills, increase their social and intellectual engagement, and build new relationships in an international environment.

The training course for staff in The Centro Cultural e Desportivo de São José

The main objective of the staff training course was to enhance the professional competencies of educators and professionals working with seniors through the exchange of international experiences, the exploration of effective teaching methods for older adults, and the joint development of innovative educational materials, including an international e-book designed to support English language learning, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation among seniors.

Specific objectives:

to improve methods of working with older adults, particularly in the field of English language teaching;
to learn about best practices in senior education implemented by partner countries;
to develop skills for adapting educational activities to the needs and abilities of senior learners;
to gain knowledge of inclusive education and support strategies for individuals experiencing cognitive decline;
to explore methods for combating loneliness and social exclusion among older adults;
to strengthen competencies in designing and adapting educational materials, including the international e-book;
to improve skills in evaluating educational activities and using participant feedback effectively;
to enhance intercultural competencies through cooperation with international partners;
to develop the ability to work effectively within an international project team;
to prepare staff to implement innovative educational solutions for seniors and to disseminate the project results.

As a result, the course contributed to improving the quality of educational opportunities available to seniors, supporting active ageing, and promoting lifelong learning.

Official meeting in local authority

During the international mobility, project participants were invited to the meeting with Dr. Pedro Araújo, President of the Junta de Freguesia do Imaculado Coração de Maria in Funchal. During the meeting, participants were introduced to the role of local government in supporting older adults and to the initiatives undertaken to improve their quality of life. Particular attention was given to the local social policy programme aimed at combating loneliness, strengthening the social inclusion of seniors, and creating conditions that support active and dignified ageing.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to learn about best practices implemented within Madeira’s local community to support older adults, with particular emphasis on educational and activation initiatives that promote cognitive health and help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Participants were introduced to solutions that encourage lifelong learning, social participation, and the prevention of cognitive disorders, providing valuable inspiration for implementing similar initiatives within their own organisations and communities.

This project has been founded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author and the Comission cannot be held responsable for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.