Pairing Lifelong Learners with the Younger Generation

Today in my Google Alerts I found a wonderful story, written by Anna L. Griffin for the TELEGRAM & GAZETTE, about the Lifelong Learning Institute for Enrichment (LIFE) in Worchester, MA. Ten years ago, Lorraine Wickman had the idea to bring young students together with seniors for various activities. Griffin writes:

There has always been some intergenerational aspect to the program since Mrs. Wickman started LIFE a decade ago. Three years ago, she introduced the writing course.

She explained that matching a young adult student with an adult learner, both writing on a chosen topic, challenges each participant to share views in poetry or prose by using their individual experiences.

Intergenerational pairs wrote prose or poetry together, which was then illustrated by another student. All were presented at a program celebrating the creations and the retirement of Wickman.

“This is really a great project. I am struck by the fact that one person could make such a difference,” said Daniel M. Asquino, president of Mount Wachusett Community College.

“She’s delightful. She’s tenacious. She gets things done,” Mr. Asquino said. “I don’t know how we’re going to continue without her.”

This kind of thing really lights my fire. What a fabulous idea! I'm so excited about it that I'll be making a phone call to my local university today to talk about getting something similar started where I live. It's the perfect thing to do when the economy is down, too. Band together and create art. It's feels good all around.

Has your community done something similar? Tell us about it on the Continuing Education Message Boards, or right here in a comment. I'd love to hear your story.