Intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums:

Intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums:a Slovenian example of an educational project between the Third Age University and museumsVALUE Conference, Ankara, 8–9 June 2011

Rajka Bračun Sova, Independent educator in culture, Ljubljana, Slovenia

(1) Museums, lifelong learning and volunteering

In Slovenia, older people have been targeted as museum audiences only recently.

In 2007 the Third Age University started the elderly-centred programme Cultural Mediators.

Less than half (43 %) of museums involve volunteers.

An intergenerational activity, involving individuals from youth to old age.

Community learning and voluntary work, aimed at personal growth and social inclusion of the elderly.

The Third Age University of Slovenia

1984 1 study circle1986 1 university2011 a network of 45 universities in 43 towns

We engaged U3A students as cultural mediators in museums on a voluntary basis.

Museums, culture, mediationconnecting subject and object in a museumtransforming museum experience in terms of meaningsdemocratizing access to museum collections

(2) Building partnership

National Museum of Slovenia (2007) + U3A LjubljanaArchitecture Museum of Ljubljana (2007) + U3A Ljubljana

Škofja Loka Museum (2008) + U3A Škofja LokaRadovljica Museums (2008) + U3A Škofja Loka

Dolenjska Museum Novo mesto (2009) + U3A Novo mestoNatural History Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A LjubljanaTechnical Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A LjubljanaSlovenian Etnographic Museum (2009) + U3A Ljubljana...

(3) Age-related cultural agenda

In a contemporary society, alongside ethnicity, race, gender, family, job, religion and health, age is becoming an increasingly important cultural identity system.

Older generation is not homogenuous.

Like other age groups, older people have certain characteristics: developmental and socio-cultural.

Mannheim in Field et al. 2008Jelenc-Krašovec & Kump 2010

Research into motivation of older adults (U3A students) for volunteering

U3A students would volunteer:1. To do something good for himself/herself and others2. To learn3. To contribute knowledge and skills

According to museum staff older people would volunteer:1. To contribute knowledge and skills

2. To become included in society again 3. To learn4. To cure loneliness

...

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“Knowledge, professional skills and attitudes displayed by those dealing with adult education, their ability to motivate adults to go on learning, are often decisive for their destiny. In post-modern times adult educators need different competencies from those they have needed so far.”

Findeisen (2004)

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Thank you for your attention.