Generations in dialogue: Rassach elementary school meets seniors in the vital center

Generations in dialogue: Rassach elementary school meets seniors in the vital center

At the Rassach elementary school, the focus is on the cooperation between old and young. Generations are to be brought together in a new cooperation with the health and vital center. This idea arose in a conversation between the director of the school, Karin Koele-Klimbacher, and the head of the center, Manuela Künstier. Four times a year, the students will visit the facility to tinker, talk and cook together.

Last Wednesday, the program started with the 3. grade, also known as a fox class, under the direction of Birgit Hofer. The main goal of the initiative is to reduce fear of contact and to promote the exchange between the generations. "Together, mindfulness and integration are the guidelines of our meetings," said Künstner and emphasized that everyone is open to everyone.

insights into the life of the seniors

The encounter started with the older generation stories. Rudolf Fauland, 87 years old and from Moos/St. Peter, reported on his commercial apprenticeship and work in a paper shop in Deutschlandsberg. The 81-year-old Edmund Kral, who worked as a hairdresser, explained how important it is in the hairdresser to communicate with people. "We had to make courses on an ongoing basis and I even took part in a hairdressing championship," he told the curious children.

The students took the opportunity to ask questions. Your questions were enough of "What was there to eat during the break?" Up to "Did you previously have a school bus?". They were amazed to find out that many seniors went to school on foot and that school time was often different from today. Among the favorite subjects appeared, terms such as local history and nature theory, which are integrated into modern lessons. The children learned that in the past the word "body exercises" was used, which corresponds to today's sport.

Alena, an 8-year-old student, was interested in the pet and favorite color of her interlocutor, and Lukas, also 8, said that he was great fun talking about old school boards and other things. Despite the many exciting stories, the children had time to actively help the cooking preparations. So they snapped vegetables and peeled potatoes to prepare delicious schnitzel with fries together with chef Thomas Mörth.

These monthly meetings not only bring fun, but also promote mutual respect and understanding between the generations. While the children live out their curiosity, the seniors are given the opportunity to pass on their experiences and stories. This creates a valuable bridge between young and old, which goes far beyond democracy and volunteering.

The cooperation between elementary school Rassach and the health and vital center promotes cooperation in a very special kind. It is a step in the right direction to strengthen social interaction in the region, which is clear through this initiative. The student body can get to know the life stories and experiences of the older generations, which is enriching for everyone involved. Details on other events are on www.meinbezirk.at to read.