Labolobo, a social laboratory fostering intergenerational encounters

An association that fosters connections between generations

Labolobo is a Belgian association that promotes intergenerational bonds through cultural activities and collaborative projects. It offers four types of activities to create exchanges between young and old in a variety of ways:

• TUKTUKJette offers an alternative transportation option for people with reduced mobility. Volunteers transport seniors for bike rides, cultural outings, shopping trips, appointments, and more.

  
  

• The Labolobo space offers a variety of activities (guitar, yoga, kung fu, etc.) at its location in the north of Jette.

  
  

• Projects in public spaces involve the creation of socio-cultural installations, transforming public areas into meeting places.

• Finally, the MAprogramment projects facilitate exchanges between retirement homes and neighboring schools. Seniors and children interact through artistic activities such as singing, dancing, drawing, and writing.

Their goal of fostering connections primarily helps seniors combat isolation and age-related stereotypes.

 “We are counting on empathy, respect, and solidarity. Because we can all learn a great deal from each other. Because age cannot be a barrier. Because intergenerational exchange is the foundation of a better life together.”

Labolobo : https://labolobo.eu

MA Projects Supported by the Foundation

Through its partnership with the Foundation, the association has implemented four MA projects. Specifically, these projects involve a program of meetings between schoolchildren and residents of senior living facilities. The association organizes regular, participatory artistic and socio-cultural workshops. The four projects supported by the Foundation are:

MAternelles is a multi-activity program adapted for young children. They discover retirement homes in a creative and constructive way. MAfoto is a set-building workshop for creating group portraits. DANCEDANCEDANCE is a musical and contemporary dance intervention in Brussels retirement homes. MActuels connects secondary school students with seniors to discuss current events.

During the 2022/2023 academic year, the MA projects supported by the foundation benefited 318 people (172 seniors and 144 young people). The Foundation is proud to support Labolobo, which focuses its work on intergenerational connections.