Tenants from Laurel Gardens Retirement Complex in Chapelhall are taking advantage of their new digital skills thanks to support from informative youngsters.
Pupils from St Aloysuis Primary School were on hand to help as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s Driving Digital Locally Intergenerational Project.
This is the sixth project to take place as part of the successful initiative and has enabled senior residents to confidently use technology for various purposes, including communication, online services, and entertainment.
The programme begins with seniors engaging in lively discussions with pupils on topics ranging from childhood memories to favourite songs.
Then the pupils teach the tenants basic digital skills on a buddy system.
As a result, senior residents are now more connected and engaged with the digital world, enhancing their quality of life.
A tenant who took part in the project, Gabriel Smith, said: “I never thought I would enjoy using technology, but the young ones made it so much fun.
“It’s amazing how much we can learn from each other.”
Pupils who took part from St. Aloysuis Primary were Jude, Hollie, Alfie, Caiden, Holly, Myley, Julia, Brandon, Louis, Isla, Ava, Lacie, Noah and Finn.
One of the youngsters said: “This experience has a positive impact because the atmosphere is nice and positive in lots of different ways.
“It also had a positive impact on me and my partner because we got to know each other and we could talk about things, and show them new digital skills to use in their daily life.”
Acting head teacher Jennifer Flanagan added: “I am thrilled to see our school building meaningful partnerships with the local community, particularly fostering link with the residential home.
“The intergeneration project has brought benefits across generations.
“Special thanks to our teacher Suzanne Love for her dedication developing the skills of our digital leaders, enabling them to ‘connect’ in more ways than one.
“I am incredibly proud of the children’s efforts, the skills they have developed and the positive impact they have made.”
Class teacher Suzanne Love said: “I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with a couple of these intergenerational projects in different clusters now, and it will remain one of the best experiences of my teaching career.
“Watching the children’s confidence grow and seeing them adapting to become the teachers to impart their skills was brilliant.
“I was so proud of our pupils’ enthusiasm and commitment throughout the project.
“The biggest highlight for me was watching the relationships between the children and their partners bloom; it was genuinely heartwarming.
“Taking part has meant that our school has re-kindled its close link with Laurel Gardens, and we look forward to further ventures together in the future.”
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