From October to December 2024, DOREA Educational Institute, in collaboration with Gaia Olea, successfully piloted the Seniors in Green Action (SIGA) training programme in Kalavasos, Cyprus.
The programme brought together 15 enthusiastic participants aged 54 and over, eager to explore the world of medicinal wild plants and reconnect with nature through practical learning. Over five sessions, participants explored the use of local medicinal plants to support everyday wellbeing - learning through doing, sharing, and connecting.
Each workshop offered a unique experience:
- Home Herbalism: Creating custom herbal tea blends
- Kitchen Herbalism: Cooking with herbs for health
- Winter Remedies: Making immunity-boosting tonics and pastilles
- Nature Walk & Ethical Foraging: Identifying and collecting local herbs sustainably
- Natural Toiletries: Crafting balms, oils, and self-care products
Led by experienced facilitator Elsie, the sessions combined practical skills with traditional wisdom, while encouraging lively group discussions and knowledge-sharing. Participants learned not only from the trainer, but also from each other - bringing their own experiences, stories and curiosity to the circle.
The warm atmosphere, beautiful village setting, and tangible results - herbal creations to take home - made the workshops a highlight for many. It was a powerful reminder of how nature, community and lifelong learning come together to support healthy, active ageing.
Greek (el-GR)