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My SoLiLL-project experiences

Doke Doude van Troostwijk

Initially I had of course a variety of concepts as to an international self-study project, but in fact I participated because I was interested in the subject of Senior Citizens and Housing.

At first my computer skills were next to nothing, we had just bought a computer and by taking part in the project I wanted to force myself to learn how to operate one. I certainly reached that goal, I lost my initial hesitation and I now know how to improve on my computer skills.

Although my role as a participant was a minor one in the international character of the project I think the SoLiLL-project is a very good initiative to let senior citizens from different countries make contact with one another.
However in future I think it would be wise to work on one clearly defined common subject as this will simplify communication.
 I experienced the interaction of a group of people engaged in a common project as very special.
The respect shown to one another was often touching. The group grew closer in the course of the project. Each and everyone was very seriously engaged in the subject. One was always willing to help out. However I do think that the supervision of the project has had a great impact on the performance of the group.
 The Arnhem supervisors did this in a very personal way and also spent a lot of time on the project. Humour also played an important part.
That enabled us to transform a totally heterogeneous group into an entity that may welcome the completion of the project but that also sees the group disperse with sadness. Finally I must say that my participation in this project has been a very positive experience.