Thriving Communities: Intergenerational Connection
Ranfurly Village News
Intergenerational connection and learning have always been a fundamental part of flourishing, thriving communities and cultures. The last 50 years, however, have seen a growing trend towards age segregation in various facets of life, including school education, the workplace and within the extended family and broader social life.
This has led to reduced opportunities for different generations to learn from one another and has also contributed to social isolation, and in some cases to poorer health and a lower quality of life outcomes. Nurturing connection Having strong relationships and connections with people nearby who are young and old, contributes to children sense of belonging and safety.
Intergenerational programmes also improve literacy and social skills in children while reducing reports of loneliness in the older participants. Intergenerational learning is an important part of lifelong learning. However, over the last few years, many of these programmes have come to a halt due to the pandemic and associated risks. There is strong need to restart different intergenerational programs and expanding newer initiatives to connect people of different ages.
Local school community showing the way
Many local schools have great programmes that benefit younger and older people in their communities. Some that have run for many years. The Ranfurly Village and Three Kings School have enjoyed a close relationship over the years with students visiting the village on numerous occasions. The Three Kings School has re-started with their reading mileage programme, which encourages volunteers to go over to the school each week and read with students who need some extra reading mileage. There is a strong interest among residents to being part of the programme again.
The Three Kings School has also recently joined the Garden to Table programme. The Garden to Table programme is changing the way children approach and think about food. The programme helps to empower children to grow, harvest, prepare, and share great food. Volunteers act as guides and support to students who are learning new concepts in the kitchen and garden each session. Volunteers [both whanau and wider community] are a huge part of the ongoing success of the Garden to Table programme. They give their time, skills, and experience to support the programme.
The school has extended an invitation to Ranfurly Village residents to participate as volunteers. In addition, Ranfurly Village organises annual Spring Fair. A magnificent event welcoming wider Three Kings neighbourhood and school community to participate. It is a much awaited community affair in the village calendar, with stalls, entertainment, games and food.
Everyone benefits Research shows that when the generations come together everyone benefits, children and youth, older adults and the community at large. Connection is one of the key aspects behind thriving communities. It forms an integral part of developing resilient and sustainable communities, nurturing a sense of belonging and social well-being.
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