Intergenerational Program with Warragamba Public School
On Wednesday 31st July 2024 Warradale Men’s Shed and Warragamba Public School took part in the first of 8 sessions spanning over a couple of months, which form part of an Intergenerational Program between the students and the men at the Men’s Shed.
This project is initiated by Wollondilly Library and aims to improve the wellbeing of everybody involved through social interaction and memory-sharing, whilst building on lasting connections. Findings from this program will help to develop future Intergenerational Programs to improve the wellbeing and connectedness of our community.
The activities planned for these 8 sessions mainly revolve around woodworking, where we will be building wooden serving trays with a resin insert over the first 4 weeks, and then we’ll be making small wooden Christmas trees over the final 4 weeks.
The students get to have a hands on approach to woodworking, where by the end of the program each one of them will take home a finished item that they helped to build themselves, under the supervision of their teachers and the members of the Men’s Shed. This program also helps the students connect with older generations, and develop empathy and communication skills. This can benefit wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence across generations as students and older adults interact and exchange knowledge and skills.
For the men of Warradale Men’s Shed, this program also helps provide a sense of purpose and enhances dignity. It supports recall memory, enhances wellbeing, and helps strengthen and generate new social bonds.
My son is involved in this program and he really enjoyed the first session. I’d just like to say thank you for giving the kids this opportunity and for taking the time to contribute your knowledge and energy into our local kids. Particularly with the activities you are providing them as these are skills and experiences they may not normally have exposure to. I think this program is invaluable!
Thank you!