A playgroup in East Belfast called Stormont Playgroup has been working together with a group of older people from the Evergreens social club to create intergenerational events where both generations can learn from each other. The playgroup is for three-year-old children in the area, and they have been attending various events with the Evergreens throughout the year. One of the highlights of their collaboration is a visit from the playgroup to the Evergreens during Christmas, where the children sing carols for the older adults.
Recently, the two groups came together to learn about exotic animals with the help of Amazon Jungle Show NI. The children had the opportunity to interact with and hold animals such as lizards, geckos, snakes, a tortoise, and even a chameleon. Kerrie Briggs, the leader of Stormont Playgroup, mentioned that the children were thrilled to see the older adults from the Evergreens and that they have observed positive outcomes from these intergenerational events.
Helen Gillanders, the leader of the Evergreens, also expressed her enjoyment of spending time with the children from the playgroup. She shared that the event with the exotic animals was excellent, and even the older adults found it to be a unique experience. Helen emphasized the importance of having a wide range of ages come together, from young children to seniors, as it provides valuable opportunities for both groups to interact and learn from each other.
Catherine Bennett from Amazon Jungle Show NI highlighted the benefits of teaching children about exotic animals, emphasizing the importance of fostering gentleness and respect towards animals. She expressed her hope that by learning about these animals, children may develop a curiosity to explore the world and potentially visit places like the Amazon to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Overall, the collaboration between Stormont Playgroup and the Evergreens demonstrates the positive impact of bringing different generations together through shared experiences and learning opportunities. These intergenerational events not only benefit the children and older adults involved but also contribute to building a sense of community and understanding across different age groups. By fostering these connections, both young and old can learn, grow, and create lasting memories together.
