A new program has been introduced in Catholic primary schools across Australia this term, aiming to help children appreciate the unique contributions of people at all stages of life. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The “Generations of Value” program was developed by Mercy Health Foundation, Australian Catholic University, Catholic Development Fund and Catholic Health Australia.
One of the main instigators, the foundation’s partnerships manager, Mark Trayling, said the thinking behind the program stemmed from a comment by his grandfather, a naval man, that when people lose their last parent, they become a ship without a rudder.
“I appreciated the sentiment because it underscored how much we rely on previous generations for guidance,” Mr Trayling said.
“But upon reflection, I’d modify that image: while growing up, it’s helpful to have two hands on the tiller and someone pointing to the North Star – so that later in life, we’ll know how to steer on our own. Generations of Value is a reflection of this sentiment.”
ACU Professor of Healthy Ageing Laurie Buys is another of the program’s creators and explains that one of its goals is reshaping the narrative around ageing.
“A stereotypical way of looking at ageing is that ageing is a ‘deficit’ – that when you grow older, you ‘decline’, physically and cognitively,” Professor Buys said.
“And that’s a very traditional and old-world way of looking at ageing. In fact, older people now are healthier, more educated and more involved than they ever have been in the community. [Babies born now] are likely to have a hundred-year life, so we need to really challenge that view that you’re old at 65.”
Generations of Value consists of eight sessions, each focusing on a Bible verse and activities that encourage reflection on the different roles and generations within a family.
Grandparents give a lot to their grandchildren, but they also get a lot.
“The Bible encourages mentorship and the sharing of wisdom, enabling older generations to guide and support the young,” Mr Trayling said. “More than that, it honours both giving and receiving in relationships.
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel in our teachings. Christianity already offers rich, time-tested lessons.”
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New school program helps bridge generation gap (Melbourne Catholic)
