On 20-21 November 2015, the Transylvanian Reformed Church celebrated its 14th annual diaconal days. This year’s meeting brought together the diaconal community to discuss the topic of ‘Active Old Age and collaboration between generations’.
István Kovács, Counsellor of the Diaconal Department, introduced the topic and stressed the need to establish stronger channels of communication between generations and singled out the key role of education in making intergenerational dialogue a reality. A keynote speech by Dr. Imre Sándor gave further insight into the multifaceted concept of active ageing. He emphasised the importance to acknowledge the positive implications of ageing, which is a gift as such.
The two-day event showcased some concrete initiatives running within the Church where intergenerational communication lies at the heart of social service provision. For instance, an elderly house shared with Roma children and teenagers; a senior club for older people living alone, or the mentoring programme ‘Adopt a granny’.
The Church warmly welcomed its partners in attendance, the HEKS (aid organisation of the Protestant Churches of Switzerland), the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid and Eurodiaconia, and looked forward to continuing the fruitful collaboration established so far.