Welcome to GENECT, an intergenerational community connecting youth and seniors through meaningful relationships.
"Dedicated to building meaningful connections between generations."
At GENECT, we connect seniors and youth through meaningful experiences that reduce social isolation, challenge ageism, and strengthen intergenerational understanding. Through engaging activities, both generations can learn, grow, and thrive together.
We believe every connection has the power to change a life.
Three programs, one purpose: bringing youth and seniors together in ways that matter.
GENECT's Nursing Home Visits bring seniors and students together through conversation, cultural exchange, games, and shared experiences. These regular interactions help reduce social isolation, foster empathy, and create meaningful relationships across generations.
View GalleryGENECT's Community Events create welcoming spaces where seniors and young people come together through cultural exchange, shared activities, and open conversation. These gatherings strengthen community bonds, encourage mutual understanding, and foster a greater sense of belonging across generations.
View GalleryGENECT's Community Events bring seniors and young people together through shared activities, cultural exchange, and meaningful conversations. By creating welcoming spaces where generations interact as equals, these events foster mutual understanding, strengthen community bonds, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
View GalleryOur Journey
Geographic Expansion
Tracing Genect's growth from a single city in Kyushu to an international movement.
Started by APU students with a vision to connect generations and reduce social isolation among seniors.
Established partnerships with local NPOs and nursing homes, launching regular intergenerational visits and community events.
Recognized for creating meaningful social impact in the Beppu community.
Expanded activities and positively impacted over 200 seniors through visits, events, and cultural exchange.
GENECT's mission and impact were showcased at TEDxTokyo.
Expanded GENECT's presence to Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Indonesia.
Received official support from Beppu City Hall, strengthening local partnerships and community impact.
Supporting seniors, empowering youth, and strengthening communities.
Direct exposure to seniors cultivates human-centered values that last a lifetime.
Understanding aging realities prepares youth for caregiving roles and societal responsibilities.
Communication skills, patience, and future life planning awareness developed through connection.
Regular visits and events improve emotional well-being and combat loneliness in care settings.
Sharing knowledge with youth restores a profound sense of belonging and relevance.
Exposure to new perspectives and engaging activities keeps minds active and engaged.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Voices From the Movement
"Genect programs has been helping the senior residents to improve their condition of dementia."
Nursing Home Manager"Genect has given me a sense of purpose. After I came back from the first visit, it made me think what exactly my role in this world is. Genect has inspired me to think beyond what I can do for me / my family to what I can do for the community."
Ananya Sathish"As the program was ending, she asked when I would come back. When I said maybe next month, she quietly replied that she might not be here by then and asked me to visit soon. She wrote her name on an origami paper, asked for my address, and hoped that she or her daughter might visit me one day. Before I left, she gave me a hug, and it was one of the hardest goodbyes I've ever had."
Pham Lam Anh"Chatting over desserts felt like being back at my grandparents' house. We even played ババ抜き — it was hilarious seeing the senior citizens getting competitive and laughing out loud!"
Gabriella AngelineIn Action
Community of Support
We couldn't do this alone. These organisations and individuals believe in the power of connection across generations.
Whether you want to volunteer, partner, or support our mission, there's a place for you at GENECT.
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The Challenges
We Address
Three key challenges are driving disconnection across generations. GENECT addresses them through meaningful human connections.
Combat Social
Isolation
Many seniors, especially those living in nursing homes, experience loneliness due to limited social interaction. GENECT creates opportunities for seniors and young people to connect through visits, activities, and shared experiences, fostering belonging and improving emotional well-being.
Challenge
Ageism
Ageism often leads to stereotypes and misunderstandings about older adults. GENECT breaks down these barriers by creating meaningful interactions between generations, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for the value seniors bring to society.
Bridge the
Generational Gap
In today's rapidly changing world, generations often grow apart due to differences in perspectives and life experiences. GENECT bridges this gap through meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, fostering empathy, understanding, and stronger intergenerational relationships.