Insect house workshops as part of the ‘ORLEN. Neighbourhood Energy’ programme with senior citizens and preschoolers in Ostrów Wielkopolski on 30 October 2025
Insect house workshops as part of the ‘ORLEN. Neighbourhood Energy’ programme with senior citizens and preschoolers in Ostrów Wielkopolski on 30 October 2025
On October 30th, in Ostrów Wielkopolski, we held workshops that brought together environmental education, intergenerational cooperation, and the local community. The One More Tree Foundation, together with Preschool No. 12 and the Senior+ Day Center, organized an event during which preschoolers and seniors built insect hotels side by side.
The workshop was part of the grant program “ORLEN. Neighborhood Energy”, which supports local social, ecological, and educational initiatives. This was the first activity within our project the next one will take place in spring.
Why ecological activities involving young people and seniors matter
The meeting showed how ecology can create a natural space for people of different ages to meet and collaborate. Preschoolers approached the tools and materials with curiosity, while seniors contributed calmness and practical skills. The shared task encouraged conversations, laughter, and getting to know each other without rush.
These moments are valuable because they help build bridges between generations. They show that age differences do not stand in the way of cooperation and that even simple tasks can bring people together who normally live in very different rhythms.
Insect hotels – a hands-on lesson in caring for nature
One of the main outcomes of the workshop were the insect hotels, built step by step by children and seniors working together. While assembling them, participants learned about natural materials, how to arrange them, and how to create safe spaces for pollinators. It was a practical form of environmental education that showed how nature can be supported through small, everyday actions.
Although the constructions are small, they play an important role. Once placed around the city, they will become shelters for insects and help improve local biodiversity. They will also be a visible reminder that residents of different ages can work together for nature.
The building process unfolded naturally – some participants focused on assembling elements, others chose materials or talked about insects. The entire workshop took place in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, allowing everyone simply to do something useful together.
Working together and looking ahead
The workshop in Ostrów Wielkopolski was the first stage of our project carried out within the “ORLEN. Neighborhood Energy” program. The next event will take place in spring, once again inviting residents to take part in activities that support nature and strengthen community ties.
We would like to thank all participants – preschoolers, seniors, caregivers, and everyone involved in organizing the meeting – for their openness, energy, and willingness to cooperate. Initiatives like this show that meaningful environmental actions can bring people closer together.
Funded by the ORLEN Foundation.
