The analysis of more than 850 Projects, shown that only 12 Projects can be framed under an intergenerational perspective. Those 12 Projects, enrolled 85 institutions, of 16 UE27 countries.

Due to the demographic ageing phenomena, and it’s broad implications, there is an urgent need to foster the intergenerational solidarity at all it’s dimensions. These need its clear stated in UE political orientations and Operative instruments, e.g., currently Grundtvig include a specific Priority to “Learning in later life; Inter-generational and family learning”.

Have a conscious knowledge about projects previously funded will generate savings by no ‘re-inventing the wheel’ and capitalize GR funds to more innovative approaches.

MATES aims to a) Produce a Pan dissemination of results of all Intergenerational Projects approved under GP since 2000: 12+ 3 (approved in 2007); b) encourage the exploitation and exchange of good practices in the field of Intergenerational Learning;  c) improve the quality of education and training of different EU institutions.

To achieve these results at European dimension, MATES will produce a “Guide of Ideas to Plan and Implement  Intergenerational Projects” to encourage the use of innovative products and processes. Main products of the Project will be translated in 22 UE languages, disseminated in UE27, and some other countries trough other institutions not partners of MATES.

Visibility and Impact of Project:  Number of institutions members or peers of MATES Partners: 389 institutions in UE and other  Mediterranean countries; near 20.000 users of Malling lists; around 16.000 visits/month at MATES Partners websites. Face to face meetings, namely at the Employment Week, International Congress Ideas of/for Europe, etc. Distribution of 10.000 Posters, 50.000 Cards and 2.000 printed Guides.

Intergenerational practices can do more than a “simple” increasing of participation in Lifelong Learning of people of all ages. Intergenerational Practices are a golden base to reinforce the respected and solidarity between generations and increase the sense of European citizenship based on understanding and respect for older and young.