Young And Old Join Forces To Learn

AKA Forms New Relationship with Metlifecare

Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has formed a new relationship with Metlifecare that aims to bring together the young and old to learn together, as part of an intergenerational educational campaign.

Children from a number of AKA Kindergarten sites will meet with residents from various Metlifecare Retirement Villages around Auckland, where together they will learn and interact with one another.

Tanya Harvey, from AKA, says: “We’re extremely thrilled to announce this exciting partnership. As an organisation, we’re focussed on providing the children that attend our kindergartens with interactive learning experiences that will enrich their lives forever.”

“According to research around intergenerational education, findings have shown that it offers a lot of benefits – to both children and elders, improving the quality of life for everyone involved.”

“For the children specifically, we expect many will gain more of an understanding of our elders, bring a sense of fun and enjoyment to the people they meet, improve their self-esteem, develop friendships in a safe environment and enhance social skills.”

“We also expect Metlifecare residents to benefit from the experience. Developing new friendships with the children will help alleviate loneliness, giving them something to look forward to each week while providing opportunities to experience fun and laughter, to be young again, to share their skills and expertise and to be more physically active.”

Metlifecare’s CEO Glen Sowry says: “Empowering our residents to make the most of their retirement years is at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to creating opportunities that enable residents to lead full, varied lives.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Auckland Kindergarten Association to build on the wonderful relationships that have grown between our residents and preschools in their communities.”

“The experience of resident Jim Battersby that spearheaded this agreement has been a long and fulfilling one not only for him, but also for the children and teachers at Roskill South Kindergarten where Jim has been a loyal companion for the last three years. Jim’s desire for other residents to experience the friendship and fun that he continues to enjoy inspired us to formalise an agreement and we look forward to a long association with AKA.”

ENDS

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