Residents from Altona retirement community Port Phillip Village received an early Easter surprise recently.
Altona Primary School Grade 2 pupils met with the residents to celebrate Easter on Wednesday, March 22 as part of an ongoing intergenerational program.
Stemming from the ABC programs about the relationships between retirement home residents and younger people, the EdConnect program has seen Altona Primary School partner with Port Phillip Village, including giving hand-made Christmas cards to residents last year.
Village manager Chris Sharp said he was keen to continue to build on the connection with the school, as residents have already shown interest in volunteering at the school.
“This year, we are all excited to build on this two-way connection and have the wonderful children come into our village and spend time with the residents,” he said.
School assistant principal Nicole Fridey said bringing young people and older people together would cultivate a sense of purpose on both sides.
“Altona Primary School highly values its ongoing partnership with EdConnect Australia and the weekly support of its current volunteers,” she said.
“Our Grade 2 Team was pleased to extend this partnership making further connections within the local community with Grade 2 students writing Christmas cards and visiting the Port Phillip Village residents at the Easter party.”
EdConnect Australia east coast general manager Danie McNeil said the program would aim to pair up residents with students soon.
“EdConnect recognises the dedication, commitment and care that each volunteer contributes to helping students who may otherwise struggle in school and in life,” she said.
“At Port Phillip, we will work closely to match residents who put their hand up to volunteer with students with similar interests and passions.”
Matthew Sims
