Ron Wrigglesworth once dreamed of becoming a primary school teacher, so when the opportunity arose to join the Grandfriends Intergenerational Program he didn’t hesitate.
The Council-supported program connects residents from Levande Salford Park retirement village and local community members with Grade 2 students from Regency Park Primary School in Wantirna. Through activities like sketching, crafting, knitting and dancing, participants share stories, learn from each other and build connections that foster empathy, communication and respect across generations.
Ron, who teaches drawing, says the experience is “just magic”.
“I mean, the kids are lovely,” he says. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while, and now I’m doing it. Back in the day, I wanted to be a primary school teacher but I never had the opportunity. Now I do, and it’s great.”
Sue Allan, who makes bookmarks with the students, says the learning goes both ways.
“It is so wonderful bringing younger and older generations together, each learning from each other,” she says. “I just love mixing with the kids because they’re so intelligent. I think to myself, I don’t think I knew that in Grade 2.”
Students say it’s a weekly highlight. Bella shares, “I love seeing our grandfriends because they are really kind and respectful. I love doing fun activities with them and teaching them maths games.” Darcy agrees: “We have so much fun listening to stories and doing creative things like drawing.” Sophie adds, “I like how they share about their lives and teach us something new, like drawing horses, making gumnut babies and bookmarks.”
Council supports a range of intergenerational programs in Knox, partnering with retirement communities, aged care facilities, schools, libraries and community groups.
Find out more at knox.vic.gov.au/everyage
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