Intergenerational Friendships Blossom in Frenchville, Rockhampton

Residents of PresCare Alexandra Gardens recently visited some special young friends at the Frenchville State School to exchange gifts and cards. This was no ordinary meeting. It was an exciting opportunity for the residents to meet their Year 4 pen pals that they had been writing to throughout the year.

With the help of Mrs Rufus, their teacher, and volunteer, Chris, who is also Mrs Rufus’ mother, the children wrote to the residents in their first term. Before long, they received letters back from the residents who are loving getting to know the children and forging a relationship.

With much anticipation, residents arrived at the school and were greeted at the gate by the children who escorted them to their classroom. Lively conversation flowed as residents shared stories from their school days and the children proudly shared examples of their hard work.

The students were very interested in the age of their elderly friends and delighted in telling resident Harry, who hails from Holland, that they had been learning about the Netherlands in class.

“The program has been so successful”, says Manager, Sandra. “It’s a testament to the power of connection and how it can build understanding and mutual respect between different generations. We’re all looking forward continuing our Pen Pal Program again in 2025.”

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