The new educational initiative will unite different generations of students and faculty

At a meeting of the Board of L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, the project “Dialogue of Generations” developed by the Institute of Lifelong Learning was approved. The project is aimed at fostering intergenerational interaction within the university’s educational environment.

The idea of the project emerged during the Eurasian Silver Forum «Active Longevity and Education 50+». Within the framework of the forum, the President of the International Association of Universities of the Third Age, Professor of University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès, François Vellas, raised the question of whether the university implements project-based activities jointly involving representatives of the older generation and young people. This dialogue became the conceptual foundation for shaping a sustainable model of intergenerational interaction.

The «Dialogue of Generations» project is aligned with Strategic Direction 2 «Academic Excellence: ENU – Academic Excellence University» and is aimed at forming an intellectually developed personality with an active civic position, capable of dialogue, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.

The goal of the project is to create a sustainable educational and communication platform for interaction between representatives of the silver age and young people on the basis of the ENU Silver University. The platform is focused on the exchange of knowledge, life and professional experience, the development of mutual respect, social engagement, and civic responsibility.

The project brings together the professional and life potential of the older generation with the innovative, digital, and research resources of youth. Its implementation is carried out through joint educational and communicative formats, including lectures, dialogue platforms, discussion clubs, master classes, and mentoring practices in the formats «Silver Age – Youth» and «Youth – Silver Age».

At present, the project is integrated into the educational programs of the Silver University, as well as into the extracurricular activities of ENU students. Within its framework, modular courses on life competencies, culture, history, professional, and social experience are being implemented.

In 2026, following the completion of the course «Speechwriting and Public Speaking», a Discussion Club was established. On February 16, 2026, a joint meeting was held with the youth political club Agora. According to participant feedback, the meeting was unique in nature and became an example of a full-fledged intergenerational dialogue. During discussions of contemporary socio-political issues and the philosophical concepts of Jean Baudrillard, the academic knowledge of students was organically complemented by the rich life and professional experience of Silver University participants.

The head of the Discussion Club, Onuchko M.Yu., initiated the involvement of Silver University participants in mentoring activities. Currently, joint work is underway with the Higher School of Journalism and Social Sciences to organize dialogue meetings between the older generation and future journalists.

The «Digital Literacy» course has received significant positive feedback. The young researcher Kopeev Zh.B. noted the high level of motivation and engagement demonstrated by participants of the silver age. The development of this area has been continued in the course «Artificial Intelligence and Digital Literacy: Tools of a New Era», delivered by Kusepova L.T..

The Linguistic Course for Travel and Excursions, offered in English and French, enjoys stable demand. Undergraduate students took part in the preparation and delivery of the final sessions. The course was implemented in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, which enhanced the practice-oriented component of the training.

Within the framework of the «Active Longevity» course, a series of lectures and master classes was conducted jointly with Ombudsman Shapekova N.L., focusing on healthy lifestyles and nutrition. Topics included “Fundamentals of Nutrition Science,” “Ayurveda and Health in Mature Age,” and “My Personal Diet for Health.” Both Silver University participants and ENU students took part in these activities, contributing to the development of a culture of intergenerational interaction.

The «Dialogue of Generations» project is implemented in cooperation with the Department of Physical Culture and Sports and the university’s sports complex. Surveys and assessments of participants have been conducted, and systematic work is underway to promote and popularize healthy lifestyle principles.

Creating conditions for accessible and high-quality lifelong education for people of all ages is a priority area of activity for the Institute of Lifelong Learning. This priority finds practical implementation in the «Dialogue of Generations» project, which demonstrates a sustainable and effective model of intergenerational partnership within the university environment.