On 20 February 2026, the CoblAges project will host the online workshop “Community-Based Learning Across Generations”, bringing together students, academics, community leaders, practitioners, and older adults from across Europe. The event is intended as a space for reflection and dialogue on intergenerational learning practices developed throughout the project, highlighting the transformative potential of Community-Based Learning (CBL) in higher education.
CoblAges is a European Union–funded project that aims to integrate Community-Based Learning into higher education curricula, with a particular focus on intergenerational cooperation and active ageing. By engaging students directly with local communities and older adults, the project addresses key societal challenges such as demographic ageing, social inclusion, and civic participation. It was led by the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu.
Community-Based Learning, as promoted by CoblAges, moves learning beyond the classroom by encouraging students to co-create solutions with community members. This approach not only strengthens students’ academic and professional skills, but also fosters empathy, social responsibility, and active citizenship.
CoblAges within the EUNICE Alliance Framework
The CoblAges project is closely aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of EUNICE – the European University for Customised Education, a transnational alliance committed to innovation, inclusiveness, and strong societal impact.
As a member of the EUNICE alliance, the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV) plays a key role in promoting educational models that connect universities with their surrounding communities. The Community-Based Learning approach implemented in CoblAges directly reflects EUNICE’s vision of higher education as a driver of social responsibility, lifelong learning, and meaningful engagement with real-world challenges.
Through initiatives such as CoblAges, EUNICE reinforces its commitment to:
- Strengthening university–community engagement across Europe;
- Promoting experiential and interdisciplinary learning;
- Encouraging intergenerational dialogue and social inclusion;
- Addressing societal challenges at local and regional levels.
By embedding CoblAges within the broader EUNICE framework, the project contributes to the creation of a more connected, human-centred, and impact-oriented European Higher Education Area.
ConLages is now applying to amplify its methodology beyond Europe, including one of EUNICE Associated Parters, the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil.
A Diverse and Participatory Workshop
The online workshop will reflect the inclusive spirit of both CoblAges and EUNICE. Participants include higher education students, university staff, community managers, NGOs, professionals working in the field of ageing, and representatives of local authorities. This diversity is intended to enrich the discussions and reinforce the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in community-based initiatives.
The programme features an opening session led by representatives from the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, followed by a keynote address on intergenerational practices delivered by Professor Mariano Sanches from the University of Granada. A round table moderated by academics from the West University of Timișoara will allow participants from Türkiye, Romania, Portugal, and Spain to share testimonies and concrete examples from their local contexts.
