The Compass School: Celebrating Intergenerational Connections in Haddington

A Special Visit from the Minister for Equalities

The Compass School was thrilled to welcome Kaukab Stewart, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Equalities. She visited one of our intergenerational sessions with our friends from Our Community Kitchen. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing work we’ve been doing!

Both The Compass School and Our Community Kitchen recently received a national Excellence Award for Confronting Age Discrimination and Stereotypes. The Minister was eager to learn more about our Growing Friendships project, which has fostered incredible relationships between young people and their older friends over the past two years.

During her visit, the Minister fully engaged in the session. Participants explored jobs, careers, and their hopes and aspirations. It was a joy to see her connect with our Primary 7 children and their friends from Our Community Kitchen.

Building Strong Relationships

We were also delighted to have Alison Clyde, the Chief Executive of Generations Working Together, join us. She is the umbrella body for many intergenerational projects in Scotland. Elaine Gale, founder and manager of Our Community Kitchen, was there too, along with her colleague and fellow project co-ordinator, Joyce Lukkes.

Having such esteemed guests made the day even more special. Their presence highlighted the importance of intergenerational connections and the positive impact they have on our community.

A Word from Our Headmaster

Mr Mark Becher, our headmaster, expressed his thoughts on the visit:

“We were honoured to receive a visit from the Minister for Equalities. It was a fantastic opportunity for Our Community Kitchen and us to showcase our award-winning project. Ms. Stewart was keen to understand how the project has evolved and to discover more about the countless benefits it has brought to all involved. What a great morning we all had together! As we discussed and shared our ideas, hopes, and aspirations, fun and laughter were key features of the morning!”

The Importance of Intergenerational Projects

Intergenerational projects like ours are vital for fostering understanding and respect between different age groups. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, skills, and knowledge. Our Growing Friendships project has shown that when young people and older adults come together, they can create meaningful connections that enrich their lives.

Benefits for Children and Older Adults

The benefits of these intergenerational sessions are numerous. For children, they gain insights into the lives of older adults. They learn about history, traditions, and the value of community. These interactions help children develop empathy and respect for others.

For older adults, engaging with children can bring joy and a sense of purpose. They often share their stories and wisdom, which can be incredibly rewarding. This exchange of knowledge and experiences enriches both groups and strengthens community bonds.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in supporting intergenerational projects, there are many ways to get involved! You can volunteer your time, donate resources, or simply spread the word about the importance of these initiatives. Every little bit helps in creating a more connected and compassionate community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our intergenerational sessions at The Compass School are a shining example of the positive impact that can arise from bringing different generations together. With the support of the Minister for Equalities and our partners at Our Community Kitchen, we are excited to continue this important work.

Let’s keep building these friendships and fostering understanding across generations! Together, we can create a vibrant community where everyone feels valued and connected.

If you want to learn more about our initiatives, feel free to reach out! We’re always here to chat and share ideas.