SPARK

 SPARK responds to a pressing challenge facing senior adults across Europe: the growing need to develop digital literacy and green competencies in an increasingly online and environmentally conscious world. As digital services move online and environmental awareness becomes a civic necessity, older adults risk being left behind – excluded from essential public services, environmental platforms, and cultural resources that are now primarily accessed through digital tools.

Led by EQUALINE, a non-governmental organisation based in Veroia, Greece, with five years of experience in adult education, the SPARK project brings together senior learners and adult educators through two structured group mobility activities in Spain and Bulgaria. Drawing on the European frameworks DigComp 2.2 and GreenComp, the project equips participants with measurable, transferable competencies – formally recognised through Europass Mobility certificates.

Through non-formal learning aligned with European Council priorities, SPARK promotes lifelong learning, active ageing, and cross-European cooperation in adult education. It targets participants with little or no prior digital experience, including those with fewer opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of digital and green transitions reach those who need them most.

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

• Greece – Sending Organisation (EQUALINE, Veroia)
• Spain – Host Organisation (HeartLab)
• Bulgaria – Host Organisation (AIM, Sofia)

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

What SPARK Set Out to Achieve

Objective 01 – Digital Literacy for Senior Adults
Develop and deliver groundbreaking educational strategies introducing senior learners to national and EU digital services – including pensions, healthcare, and e-government platforms – ensuring every individual can access essential services independently.

Objective 02 – Environmental Education Through Digital Platforms
Acquaint older individuals with digital cultural and environmental services available across the EU, including virtual museum tours, natural park exploration, citizen science platforms, and active engagement with sustainability tools online.

Objective 03 – Professional Networks & European Cooperation
Enhance professional networks among adult educators across Europe, foster collaboration between sending and hosting organisations, and increase adult education participation across diverse backgrounds.

MOBILITY ACTIVITIES

Two Group Mobility Events

EVENT 1  |  SPAIN  |  Digital Literacy & EU Digital Services

1-10 October 2025   |   10 Days   |   13 Participants   |   Host: HeartLab

The first mobility brought 13 senior adult learners from Greece to Spain for an immersive 10-day programme structured around the DigComp 2.2 European Digital Competence Framework. Delivered by host organisation HeartLab, the activity covered all five DigComp competence areas through a combination of workshops, hands-on exercises, and guided exploration.

Participants developed practical internet browsing skills, learned to evaluate online information using the SIFT method, and were guided through key EU digital services. Online safety training covered phishing, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. Participants also practised email, video calling, and digital content creation using Google Docs and Drive.

TOPICS COVERED – EVENT 1

• DigComp 2.2 Framework
• Internet Browsing & Safety
• EU Digital Services
• Email & Video Calls
• Digital Content Creation
• eIDAS / EUDI Wallet
• Online Safety

EVENT 2  |  BULGARIA  |  Green Competencies & Environmental Digital Engagement

17-26 February 2026   |   10 Days   |   13 Participants   |   Host: AIM Bulgaria

The second mobility brought 13 senior adult learners to Sofia, Bulgaria, for a 10-day programme built around the GreenComp European Sustainability Competence Framework and the EU Green Deal. Delivered by host organisation AIM, the activity introduced participants to environmental digital tools, EU environmental services, digital cultural heritage, and sustainable practices in everyday life.

Participants explored real-time environmental data through the European Environment Agency, Copernicus, and INSPIRE Geoportal; used air quality apps (IQAir) and citizen science platforms (iNaturalist); and engaged with digital cultural heritage through Europeana (50M+ items) and Google Arts & Culture. Practical sessions addressed digital carbon footprints, sustainable mobility tools (Rome2rio, BlaBlaCar), and the circular economy (Vinted, Freecycle, OLIO).

TOPICS COVERED – EVENT 2

• GreenComp Framework
• EU Green Deal
• European Environment Agency
• Copernicus & INSPIRE
• Europeana & Cultural Heritage
• Digital Carbon Footprint
• Sustainable Mobility
• Circular Economy

THEMATIC AREAS

Key Topics & Pillars

• Digital Transition in Education & Training
• Development of Key Competences
• Environmentally Sustainable & Responsible Practices
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Active Ageing & Lifelong Learning

EXPECTED RESULTS

What Participants Gained

• Proficiency in internet browsing for everyday tasks and information retrieval
• Ability to access and navigate key EU and national digital public services independently
• Improved online safety awareness: phishing, strong passwords, two-factor authentication
• Effective digital communication skills – email, video calls, and social media safety
• Understanding of sustainable digital practices and personal digital carbon footprint reduction
• Ability to engage with EU environmental monitoring platforms and citizen science tools
• Access to European digital cultural heritage through Europeana and virtual museum tools
• Critical thinking skills around environmental issues and digital technology impact