“From Generation to Generation” – an Intercultural Experience Through Culinary Arts
In 2024–2025, the Youth and Seniors Association (Alytus, Lithuania) implemented the project “From Generation to Generation”, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which supports adult education and international cooperation. The aim of the project was to promote intercultural dialogue, community cohesion, and inclusion by using culinary arts and cultural heritage as tools for learning and connection.
This initiative brought together people of different generations – young people, children, and seniors – encouraging shared learning, cultural discovery, and exchange of experiences. Participants acquired new practical skills, strengthened their self-confidence, and improved their communication and teamwork abilities. The project actively involved people with fewer opportunities, individuals experiencing social exclusion or health challenges, as well as those facing discrimination. Throughout the initiative, close and warm cooperation between different generations was clearly felt.
The project included a five-day culinary course in France, led by French chef Pascal Leproust, known for creating a chocolate sculpture of a dog commissioned by Brigitte Macron to support the French association of the blind. Participants deepened their knowledge of regional cuisine, principles of sustainable food preparation, and the importance of creativity in teamwork. A job-shadowing visit in Burgundy provided insight into local cultural heritage, community engagement, and social inclusion practices.
The project concluded with an expert visit to Lithuania, which featured a final event with a live culinary demonstration and a community gathering at the social partner of the Youth and Seniors Association – Paliesius Manor. The dissemination event was attended not only by association members and employees and visitors of Paliesius Manor, but also by representatives of the Ignalina Municipality Department of Education and Culture, the organisation “„The Land of Lakes“”, as well as representatives of the Aukštaitija National Park and the Labanoras Regional Park Directorate.
A total of three mobilities were implemented – two outgoing mobilities to France and one incoming expert visit to Lithuania. The project results were presented in Alytus, Druskininkai, Šiauliai, Joniškis, and at Paliesius Manor, and were also shared on social media, at local events, and in community meetings.
We are especially pleased that thanks to the Erasmus+ project, we were able to reduce the social and geographical exclusion of people with fewer opportunities. Our seniors with health challenges not only had the chance to participate in mobilities, but were also provided with all the necessary conditions to take part fully and meaningfully.
“From Generation to Generation” became a remarkable example of how learning by doing can connect different generations, cultures, and communities. This experience demonstrated that inclusive education and mutual cooperation can inspire long-lasting changes both locally and internationally.
Erasmus+ project “From Generation to Generation”
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