18 July 2025
YUFE partner university, Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń, is currently hosting Bridging Generations – an international and intergenerational volunteering programme organised under the European Solidarity Corps. Among the participants are also YUFE students from the University of Cyprus (UCY) and Sorbonne Nouvelle University (USN).
Seven young volunteers from seven European countries – Cyprus, France, Spain, Ireland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy – have arrived in Toruń, Poland, to take part in two weeks of shared activities with local seniors. The project aims to foster intercultural dialogue and intergenerational integration through shared experiences and community engagement.
“With age, opportunities for spontaneous intercultural interaction become rarer” says Małgorzata Błaszczak from NCU, the programme coordinator. That’s why we wanted to create an environment where this kind of exchange can happen naturally. We hope that all participants gain new skills and lasting memories. The programme includes language exchange sessions, ecological workshops, and community gardening. Participants also enjoy shared cooking experiences, city walks, and storytelling sessions.
“We are absolutely delighted with this programme, share Alicja Werth and Jadwiga Pokorska-Niewczas, retired teachers who are taking part in the project.” The young people we spend time with here are the same age as our grandchildren. They are very kind, well-mannered, and eager to engage in joint activities. The lectures and workshops are very interesting, and the idea of a natural garden is particularly fascinating. We are very glad we decided to take part.
The volunteers also express positive impressions of this new experience.
“Most volunteer opportunities focus on supporting children, but this programme is unique because it connects us with seniors. It’s a meaningful and important experience” remarks Patricia Cretu, a volunteer from Spain.
And Rafael Efstathiou from Cyprus adds: “This experience has exceeded my expectations. It’s both fun and educational. I love the space where our activities take place and the people who support us here. After just a few days, I feel that my communication skills have significantly improved”.
Prof. Magdalena Barwiołek, NCU Vice-Rector for International Relations and YUFE Strategic Council Member, highlights the broader impact of the initiative: “This project exemplifies how internationalisation at our university extends beyond academic mobility.” It becomes a driver of inclusive, community-focused action. By bringing together people of different generations and cultures, Bridging Generations also reflects our YUFE mission as a socially engaged European university and reinforces our commitment to strengthening both international partnerships and our service to the local community.
Magdalena Stremplewska, YUFE Community and Civic Engagement Lead, adds: “The participants have already completed the YUFE Civic Engagement Activities Intro Training Session, and upon finishing the programme, they will receive the YUFE Civic Star certificate.”
Read more about YUFE Community Engagement.
The Bridging Generations volunteering programme is funded by the European Solidarity Corps, as NCU proudly holds the ESC Quality Label as a leading, hosting, and supporting organisation.
A similar volunteering event at NCU is already planned for next year.
Civic star June 25
