Bridging generations, building agency: a participatory action research study of intergenerational lifelong learning in a Thai rice community

Intergenerational learning in community settings remains underexplored in lifelong education scholarship, particularly in relation to adult learning, the revaluing of local knowledge, and collective agency in rural contexts. This article addresses this gap through a qualitative participatory action research study conducted in a Thai rice-farming community. It examines how a community-based intergenerational learning initiative, co-developed by older and younger participants, shaped change at personal, relational, and community levels. Eighteen participants aged approximately 15–74 engaged in three iterative cycles of planning, implementation, reflection, and revision. Data were generated through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews in Thai, participant observation, reflective journals, and visitor feedback, and were analysed thematically using an inductive–deductive approach. Findings show that, when organised as a participatory and learning-centred process, intergenerational learning supported skills, confidence, and agency across generations. Older participants reported renewed purpose and public recognition of their knowledge, while younger participants developed respect for local knowledge and confidence in community contribution. Sustained collaboration fostered trust, empathy, and reciprocal communication. At the community level, the initiative revitalised cultural assets and strengthened collective agency through shared responsibility and community-led action.