Youngsters at Revesby Public School in Sydney have delighted residents at two local aged care homes with regular back and forth handwritten letters (pictured inset) – bringing back the forgotten past-time of pen pals.
The group of 22 students are aged from kindergarten to Year 6 and write their letters in pen pal ‘workshops’ every fortnight at their YMCA after-school care program – and staff say it’s having an incredibly positive impact on both groups.
“Staff from the nursing home have told us residents are extremely happy to receive letters, especially pictures as some of the pen pals are not able to even get out of bed or their room,” said YMCA educator, Ata Rameka (pictured above left).
“This opportunity has provided some much-needed connections outside of their world in the home.”
The letter-writing is also helping the kids to learn about the world around them, and improve their reading, writing and storytelling skills – plus forge some new friendships.
“I have a new friend Kate and I like writing because I want them to be happy so they can have friends to write letters to”, one student said.
At the end of the program, the YCMA is hoping to get the youngsters over to the homes for a visit to meet their pen pals.
