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Penpal program ignites friendships during isolation

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Young and old have come together in a heart-warming story of community and friendship.

Kindergarten students from Edgeworth Heights Public School and aged care residents from Calvary Nazareth Retirement Community at Belmont wrote letters back and forth during the pandemic to stem the tide of social isolation.

After months of engagement, the two groups eventually met face-to-face in the virtual world for a musical performance.

“The kindergarteners have been asking to meet their pen pals ever since we began the program, and we’re excited to finally introduce them,” Edgeworth Heights Public School teacher Vanessa Armstrong said.

“We [performed] a rendition of I Can Sing a Rainbow – complete with Auslan signing – [for] the aged care residents, who responded with their own performance.”

Ms Armstrong praised the program as a unique opportunity for intergenerational learning.

“Some of the kids don’t have grandparents or older members of their family to talk to, so the integrational learning element has been priceless for them,” Ms Armstrong said.

“They tell stories to one another and discuss their likes and dislikes. We’ve seen some really lovely friendships form over the past months.”

The program was put together by University of Newcastle Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Doctor Kylie Wales, who said the COVID-19 lockdown had a particularly detrimental effect on school children and those in aged care.

“We know that social isolation promotes dementia, lethargy and an array of other adverse health issues in older people,” Dr Wales said.

“Home-schooling was also proving a challenge for young people learning without interaction with teachers and other students.”

Dr Wales said the program aided children with their reading, writing, and spelling skills, and the aged care residents with recall and cognitive function.

“Letter writing was the perfect way to facilitate these tasks, especially from the confines of lockdown,” Dr Wales said.

The students’ teacher, Ms Armstrong, hoped the connection continued to move forward.

“I’ve watched the kids not only upskill in their academic skills, but also develop their social understanding and compassion – it’s been a delight,” Ms Armstrong said.

“We’re so thrilled that our connection with the University of Newcastle provided us with the chance to take part in this unique program.

“It’s been a joy for the penpals, but also reassuring for us that our kids are still reaching milestones during such a difficult time.”

Calum Thomson

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