23 Year 2 and Year 3 students at Moggill State School have been writing letters to residents at Arcare Helensvale on the Gold Coast as part of the Gen Pals program tackling an array of life’s tricky questions including ‘how did you have friends without any computers?’
While many of the residents were initially reluctant to take part as they no longer find writing possible, as soon as the home’s lifestyle co-ordinator Amanda Madeley volunteered as a scribe, they were all on board.
The pilot program is the work of Queensland Community Care Network’s community development officer Suzanne Bish and is designed to boost the children’s handwriting skills and keep residents involved in the community as well as connect the two generations – and it’s working.
Ms Madeley says many of the letters have included drawings which are now hanging proudly on fridges and walls around the home.
“The residents are looking forward to the next mail delivery and news from the world of year three,” she said.
