The Europe Challenge

The Local Challenge

In Marijampolė, Lithuania, an ageing population is experiencing significant social isolation and exclusion. The public library staff identified key challenges faced by older adults and people with disabilities, including a lack of technological knowledge, loneliness and poverty. These issues are preventing elderly people with disabilities in particular from enjoying cultural and creative activities, leading to increased dissatisfaction with their lives and resentment towards younger generations.  

 The Initiative 

A collaboration between the public library and clubs for the elderly and disabled people, Silver Bonds focuses on two main areas: technological literacy and artistic/creative activities. The initiative includes training on smartphone use, online banking, e-health systems and other digital tools to help tackle social exclusion. Artistic activities – including ceramics, floristry and upcycling – help to create social connections and improve psychological well-being. The initiative also includes theatre and museum visits, involving younger volunteers to encourage intergenerational connections and mutual respect. 

After The Europe Challenge

Through working on this challenge initiative, the public library has become a haven for older people, offering not only facilities but also quality new activities such as crafting, that have helped to reduce loneliness in the community. They have also reached their goal to create a supportive, inclusive environment for those with different abilities and seeing them forge a mutual connection with the participating volunteers. The team looks forward to this continuing.  

Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.