Cronulla RSL Partners with Cronulla Rotary to Launch Intergenerational Program in Local School

Cronulla RSL has announced a collaboration with Cronulla Rotary to support the implementation of an Intergenerational Program at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School. 

This innovative program aims to foster meaningful connections between different generations within the Cronulla community, bringing together Year 2 students and senior Cronulla RSL members.

The program, which is researched and facilitated by Intergenerational Learning Australia, will take the learning experience outside the classroom and engage students in enjoyable discussions and activities with a much older population. 

It will include a series of weekly interactive activities and workshops that encourage the exchange of experiences, knowledge and stories between students and seniors. 

These interactions are stimulating for all age groups, due to the activities being based on school curriculum subjects, cultural events and topics that are meaningful to the seniors. 

The foundations of this program are based on research about intergenerational activities by the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice, the Intergenerational Care Project (Griffith University-led Emeritus Professor Anneke Fitzgerald)  and other academic institutions in the USA, Europe and Asia.

Intergenerational learning holds profound significance for both students and adults as it fosters a reciprocal exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives between different generations. 

As seen in the ABC series Old People's Home for Teenagers, intergenerational learning programs can result in mentally stimulating and reciprocal learning experiences for both students and older people.

Participation and discussions with students will benefit them by increasing their vocabulary, improving conversational and language skills, fostering socio-emotional learning, and non-verbal and interpersonal communication skills. 

Teachers and parents have stated the improvements in behaviour and increases in positive mood have been significant due to these interactions. All these elements will also assist students when they enter the workforce. 

For many older people, it will help to diminish loneliness, isolation and boredom by engaging them in purposeful and mutually enjoyable socialising, discussions and activities involving children and teenagers.

The St Aloysius Catholic School project will be funded by Cronulla RSL (through Category 2 ClubGRANTS), Cronulla Rotary (via successfully secured funding through the Sutherland Shire Council Grant) and Sydney Catholic Schools. 

Cronulla RSL, a longstanding supporter of community initiatives, recognises the importance of fostering intergenerational relationships for the well-being of both students and seniors. The collaboration with Cronulla Rotary aligns with Cronulla RSL's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

"We are excited to partner with Cronulla Rotary to support the Intergenerational Program," said Natalie Hawkins, Community Projects Manager at Cronulla RSL. 

"This initiative reflects our dedication to building a stronger, more connected community. By providing a platform for our senior members to share their wisdom and experiences with younger generations, while offering students the opportunity to learn and connect with their community elders, the program will create lasting bonds and enrich the lives of all involved.”

By supporting this initiative, Cronulla RSL once again solidifies its reputation as a pioneering force in community engagement. In 2023, the Club earnt the prestigious ClubsNSW Heart of the Community Award for their work in supporting animals impacted by war.

“This program involving the young and young at heart provides opportunities for more inclusion across generations as well as educational activities for school children in the Sutherland Shire,” said Rotary Club of Cronulla President, Jean-Philippe de Jong.

“The objective is to create a space that fosters purposeful discussions and activities on a regular basis where the mutual exchange of valuable knowledge, skills and companionship is the focus.” 

The collaboration between Cronulla RSL and Cronulla Rotary exemplifies the power of community partnerships in creating initiatives that promote unity, understanding and a sense of belonging. The organisations look forward to the positive impact that the Intergenerational Program will have on the Cronulla community.

Cronulla Rotary hopes the Intergenerational Program sets a blueprint for further community engagement and collaboration. 

“We hope this model serves as valuable guide for interested parties looking to replicate the program within the Sutherland Shire and beyond,” said Jean-Philippe. 

“There is strong potential to expand the program, leveraging existing resources and networks, such as Rotary clubs, RSLs, aged care facilities and schools.”