Emerging Stronger

Through the Victorian Government Emerging Stronger Grant funding EdConnect Australia ran a program to reigniting the purpose, passion and power retirees bring to volunteering.

The program ran from October 2022 to May 2023 and was seen as an outstanding success. Below are some of the findings of the program.

The Program

Older Victorians with experience, knowledge and time have the ability to inspire and nurture younger Victorian students in learning and life. EdConnect sought to re-engage and broaden the volunteer base of older-people village residents. Information sessions were run promoting a broad range of volunteer opportunities and a pilot linking residents as volunteers in learning support and mentor roles with local primary and secondary schools in Metropolitan and Regional locations. EdConnect encouraged and promoted volunteering in retirement villages providing a grandparent like role model, an extra set of eyes, ears and hands in the classroom for a minimum of an hour a week, during the school year.

Resources

Grant Summary
Best Practice
School Engagement Toolkit

Digital Clips

Case Study
From our Liaison Officer
From the Teachers
From a Volunteer
From the Retirement Village

Hear our Stories

Maureen’s Story
Peter’s Story
Karoo Primary School
A Story of Easter
Christmas Card Exchange

Next steps:

If your school or retirement village is interested in setting up an intergenerational program which bridges the age-gap we’d love to hear from you. Contact edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 08 9444 8646.

With thanks: