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Vilnius is culturally diverse but socially fragmented.

➤ Social isolation, psychological stress, low community interaction

📉 19.5% of people in Vilnius feel lonely weekly

🏡 32% elderly residents live alone

🌍 Expats rank “difficulty integrating” as top challenge (2024 survey)

🎓 20% international students feel disconnected from locals

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Real Story

“When Aisha moved to Vilnius, evenings felt silent.

She scrolled her phone searching for someone to talk to.

Until one day, through a small community meetup,

she met Elena—a local grandmother.

Now, they share Sunday tea and stories every week.

There are thousands of such people in Vilnius.

Our project helps them connect.”

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Solution

Goal → Make Vilnius emotionally connected.

CommunityConnect Vilnius

A digital platform + local events that match people based on interests, location, and cultural connection opportunities.

Actions

AI-based people & activity matching

Language & skill exchange meetups

Monthly cultural community events

“Adopt-a-Neighbor” intergenerational program

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Methods Used

Design Thinking

- Empathy mapping → interviews with expats & seniors

Noar Communication Model

- Message: “Find your people in Vilnius”

- Audience: inclusivity-seeking residents

SCAMPER

- Combine digital + local events

- Adapt to cultures, Reverse isolation → connection

Storytelling

- Emotional engagement through real human stories

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Expected Change

Reduce social isolation by 30% in 12 months

SDG Alignment

Feedback & testimonial stories

Number of connections made

SDG 3 (Wellbeing)

SDG 10 (Equality)

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)

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Prototype Plan

• Mini cultural event (20 expats + 20 locals)

• Launch basic registration website

• QR posters around Universities & communities

• Story-based campaign: “My life in Vilnius”

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Resources & Partners

Partners

Vilnius Municipality, NGOs, ISM University
Elderly care homes, expat communities

Resources

Venue, volunteers, IT developer, social experts

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PILOT BUDGET

Category	Cost (€)
Event Venue & Setup (Premium space, chairs, projector, design, basic décor)	2,500
Web/App Prototype & AI (Basic functional platform, AI matching, domain, hosting, testing)	4,000
Marketing & Awarenes (Posters, flyers, QR campaigns, social media ads)	1,500
Storytelling Campaign (Video & photo coverage, real-life stories)	1,000
Refreshments & Support (Snacks, water, interaction materials)	500
Contingency (5%)	500
TOTAL	10,000

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Scaling & Sustainability

Start

Vilnius

EU small cities

Expand to Kaunas, Klaipėda,

Digital platform → scalable

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“We are not building an app.

We are building friendships, emotional support,

and a stronger community in Vilnius.

Your neighbor, your story.”

@communityconnect_vilnius