Fueled by Enthusiasm and Curiosity: Inspiration from Erasmus+ Job Shadowing in Cracow

At first sight, Cracow might not look that attractive in terms of a destination for an Erasmus+ activity. But let me tell you in the very beginning that this presumption is completely wrong.

As a member of the team working within the sector of education and lifelong learning, I am glad to support all we do within our mission of working with elderly people and motivating them to study, socialize and train their brain is very rewarding and inspiring.

So when our project manager Barbora suggested I should spend a few days with people doing something similar, I did not hesitate and said yes.

Curiosity knows no age

I spent one day with Polish seniors who learn English within a project managed by Fundacja Kuznia Talentow. It is an NGO that has led or leads several projects with a rather wider scope of interest, from wellbeing and digital skills for women, through democracy principles and youth work to creating community for the elderly.

What surprised me was the place where the courses for seniors take place – a modern versatile hall, well-connected with town not only via public transport, but also via bike. And that was the second surprise – many of the participants did really arrive by bicycle. The atmosphere in classes was very pleasant and it was obvious people know and like each other. The teacher was a patient guy with a good sense of humor and enthusiasm. I was engaged immediately and the groups were really friendly and nice, asking me a lot of questions to practice English.

Except for language courses, they can join face yoga, pottery, painting or dancing classes. Strengthening the community feeling and enabling them to make friends to spend time with also outside of class is the big why for the organisation to keep doing it. They also have financial support from the city and obviously, the older generation does not stand at the edge of society.

Fueled by enthusiasm

I spent another day in the Fundacja office, located on the other side of the river, not very far from the university campus. My companions Ania and Karol told me everything about the projects they have done or would like to apply for, and I was also impressed by the outcomes of the projects and the social media and public presence.

We would be very happy to start international collaboration again, since we believe it would be an enriching experience not only for the admin team, but especially for the participating seniors. Spending days with the Fundacja team, I am sure we could create something meaningful together.

Last but not least

Cracow is definitely worth visiting and exploring. For me, it felt like home. And sometimes, what might not seem to be very attractive, is the best thing that can happen to you.

I met wonderful people during my stay and hope, when the time is right, we can meet again and talk about ways how to connect generations and create space for mutual learning and interaction.

Text and photos by: Kamila Jančíková