Intergenerational Solidarity Day – Education and Policies Against Age Discrimination

On the occasion of the European Day of Solidarity Between Generations (April 29), the Cyprus Third Age Observatory joins the European network AGE Platform Europe to highlight the importance of intergenerational cohesion and emphasize the ongoing need to combat age discrimination at all levels of society.

In line with this year's initiative by AGE Platform Europe titled "Intergenerational Solidarity: the Backbone of Fairer and More Sustainable Societies"," solidarity between generations is acknowledged as a key pillar for social cohesion, sustainable development, and the promotion of a democratic and just Europe. The call for active participation from citizens of all ages, investments in healthy and active ageing, and social policies that do not exclude anyone based on age are more urgent than ever.

In the same spirit, the Cyprus Third Age Observatory has submitted a Memorandum to the Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth with specific proposals to combat age discrimination through education. The memorandum proposes a comprehensive strategic framework that includes:

• Integrate age discrimination awareness into the school curriculum by creating well-designed teaching modules and experiential activities.

• Provide teacher training focused on age-awareness and intergenerational cooperation.

• Promote intergenerational learning through mentoring programs, collaborative projects between students and older adults, and school events that involve all age groups.

• Revise educational materials to eliminate negative stereotypes about older individuals.

• Implement digital empowerment programs for older people, with younger individuals teaching basic digital skills.

• Create digital collaboration platforms to connect people of different ages through shared cultural or educational projects.

The Observatory calls on the Gpvernment to harness the potential of all generations through inclusive policies that unite rather than divide. At the same time, it thanks the Minister of Education, Mrs Athena Michaelidou, for warmly embracing the Observatory's proposals, some of which have already been partially implemented in education. The Observatory stresses that intergenerational solidarity is not just a slogan but the cornerstone of building a society rooted in empathy, respect, equality,