Where Joy, Learning, and Connection Stems From

In a recent initiative, a group of students from Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management organised a delightful outing to Bird Paradise for the elders from St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) Senior Care Centre @ Jurong East. The visit not only brought joy and entertainment but also fostered intergenerational bonding, as the students spent time with the elders while exploring the vibrant local attraction.

For many of the participating elders, this trip marked their first opportunity to engage in an outing with students in more than two years. Elder Larry expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This is my first time visiting the bird park, and the outing is well organised. I had a great time interacting with the students!” Similarly, Elder Ramlee shared, “I had an enjoyable time! It was a joy to watch the birds and connect with the youths.”

Overcoming Challenges

The outing also proved to be a valuable learning experience for all involved. Rifqa, one of the student volunteers, described her initial feelings as “excited, curious, and fun,” and later reflected that her experience interacting with the elders was “heartwarming and interesting.” Despite the communication barrier, she particularly valued the opportunity to adapt her communication style to better engage with the elders.

Another student, Ulfa, shared her challenges in finding common conversation topics while being mindful of her word choices. Although the process was difficult and required some adjustment at first, she appreciated the guidance and support from the SLEC care staff.

“The staff are extremely proactive and helpful, always eager and never hesitating to offer support and attend to the seniors’ needs,” she noted.

Words of Encouragement

Both student volunteers, Rifqa and Ulfa, highlighted the importance of volunteering, with Rifqa noting that it helps youths better understand community needs, and Ulfa emphasising how it broadens perspectives. Their shared experiences underscore the enriching, reciprocal nature of intergenerational volunteering, which fosters stronger connections and a sense of community between youths and elders.

By bringing together elders and youths, we can foster an environment of understanding, compassion, and joy.

As we move forward, let us continue to recognise that volunteering is a powerful tool for personal growth and community strengthening. Together, we can ensure that our elders feel valued and included, while our youth gain invaluable insights into community needs to better support our communities.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities, please visit https://www.slec.org.sg/ways-to-give/volunteer/ or email volunteer@slec.org.sg.