By Benjamin Millar
Stories of the past and voices of the future are coming together in a popular initiative by a Footscray kindergarten.
Children from Brenbeal Children’s Centre’s kindergarten room have been visiting Doutta Galla Aged Care Services every fortnight since early this year, joining the residents in a range of activities.
Kindergarten teacher Angela Zhang said the visits often start with playdough, the generations working together on their creations.
Activities move on to painting, drawing, puzzles and playing with Lego, followed by a shared afternoon tea.
Ms Zhang said a chat with talking cockatoo ‘Mac’ is always popular among the children.
“The program has been running for over six months now, we visit them every fortnight,” Ms Zhang said.
“Many of the residents really look forward to seeing the children.”
The visits are part of Brenbeal’s focus on building relationships across the Footscray community and introducing the children to a wider array of people.
Ms Zhang said the children seem to enjoy the visits more and more each time and look forward to their next chance to return.
“The children are now also not shy being around the elderly and can have good conversations with them.”
