Fitero Takes Care of Its report: The University of Navarra Coordinates an Intergenerational project in the residency program San Raimundo Senior Center

A treasure passed down through generations. These are the stories that make up the “file Vivo de Fitero,” an intergenerational “ project ” initiative promoted by the University of Navarra at the residency program San Raimundo Senior Center in the town, in partnership with the student “ partnership ” from the Juan de Palafoxhigh school . Its goal is to improve the emotional well-being, meaningful participation, and social inclusion of residents through workshops conducted alongside elementary and secondary school students.

The initiative, which began in July and will run through December of this year, is coordinated by Ruth Breeze, a researcher at the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), and professors Ana Fernández Vallejo, from the School of Applied Management, and Katya Palafox, from the Faculty of Education , and Psychology. It also has the support of the Government of Navarra through its grant program for social innovation projects related to the “silver economy.”

The stories in this unique publication, * file *, are compiled through meetings between residents of the center and students from the * high school*, during which storytelling activities are carried out at internship and report. In these sessions, the children interview the seniors on a variety of topics related to traditions, trades, festivals, cuisine, and iconic landmarks in Fitero.

Gorka Jiménez, a native of Fiter and a “ graduate ” at the School of Applied Management, is responsible for facilitating and documenting these meetings. “The children listen to the elderly and turn their stories into micro-stories, always adapting to each resident’s pace. My role is to support them, ensuring that the stories are recorded with respect and that everyone enjoys the experience,” he explains.

To date, 25 residents and about 30 children have participated, and students from the San Cernin High School ( high school ) in Pamplona are expected to join the program starting in September. Miguel Martínez, 88, has lived at the San Cernin Retirement Home ( residency program ) since 2021 and is sample excited about the “ project ” project: “I was really thrilled to remember what Fitero was like when I was young and to be able to share that with the children based on my own experience.” Her sister Alicia, who visit s her daily, also participated in the interview and emphasized the opportunity to learn from one another. “We tell them what life was like back then, and the children tell us what life is like now.”

They spoke with Yassmine Salhi, 8; Mohammed Jebbour, 10; and Loubna Azzi, 13. “I was surprised by how much the older people remember and how they tell their stories,” explains Mohammed. For her part, Yassmine emphasizes how fortunate she feels to discover “the stories of the older people and learn what Fitero was like many years ago.” In this regard, Loubna says she loves visiting the “ residency program ” and notes that they’ve been able to learn “things that aren’t in any book.”

exhibition, podcast, and map of the report

The “ project ” will culminate with three initiatives: a podcast—also intergenerational—a exhibition , and a map of report featuring QR codes. The latter will consist of a map of the riverside town highlighting significant locations, such as the former Sociedad de Baile la Amistad, the wayside shrine, and the distillery. Each QR code will link to an interview in which a resident shares details and stories about their experiences in those places.

“It’s a ‘ project ’ that brings generations together, highlights the experiences of older adults, leaves a ‘ bequest ’ for the entire community, and, above all, helps alleviate loneliness. It’s also enriching for both sides, since when the interviews are over, everyone looks happy and stays to chat,” says Jiménez.