Uniendo Fuerzas (Joining Forces)

The project’s main goal is to break the loneliness and isolation of older people and promote the social integration of refugees and migrants through an intercultural, intergenerational and technological experience. To do this, we provide tablets to older people and connect them with a refugee or migrant volunteer with whom they hold a weekly video call, in order to share life experiences, strengthen social bonds and promote digital skills. Many of these volunteers come from cultures where standards of admiration and respect for older generations are preserved, which in Spain are no longer as common. With Uniendo Fuerzas we achieve a double benefit: on one hand, older people combat loneliness, acquire technological skills and break stereotypes around immigration by getting to know other cultures; and on the other hand, refugees or migrants have the opportunity to practice the local language, get to know Spanish culture better through people with experience and wisdom, and ultimately improve their chances of social integration in the host country.

This video features testimonials from participants in the first edition of the project.