Lost art of pen pals turns old and young strangers into friends in Revesby
In this fast paced digital age, the idea of writing to pen pals could be scoffed at but not for a group of local students and residents of aged care homes who love it.
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Children at Revesby Public School and residents of two local aged care homes have forged an unlikely friendship through the forgotten past-time of pen pals.
And yes, it’s handwritten too, and what’s more, the first crop of 22 students including Amy Grijak, Leo Grijak, Hayley Vu, Benjamin Pham, Riley Patterson, Angeline Joseph and Vianne Thai, love it.
The letters have delighted residents at the South Haven (Padstow Heights) and Yallambee (Revesby) aged care home with regular letters flowing to and fro, under the guidance of their YMCA OSHC (Outside of School Hours Care) educators.
“It enables older people to interact with younger people and it’s nice to be helpful,” one of the pen pals at South Haven, John Winchester said.
“My pen pal migrated here and it’s nice to be able to tell her I’m happy she is here.”
Another resident, Margaret said: “Thank you for your letter; I was interested to read all about you.”
YMCA OSHC educator Ata Rameka, who oversees the pen pal group at the Revesby Public School YMCA OSHC, said the interaction is having a very positive effect on the residents taking part.
Children are taught how to draft a letter as a pen pal at workshops.
“Staff from the nursing home have told us residents are extremely happy to receive letters especially pictures as some of the pen pals are not able to even get out of bed or their room,” Ms Rameka said.
“So this opportunity has provided some much needed connections outside of their world in the resting home.”
Student Leo Grijak said he delights in contacting his new friends.
For Hayley Vu, making new friends is fun.
“I have a new friend Kay and I like writing because I want them to be happy so they can have friends to write letters to.”
Amy Grijak said she likes the two-way conversation and the fact that her new friends can know about her.
“Children are learning about the world around them and improving their reading, writing and storytelling skills,”Ms Rameka said.
“At the end of this program we are hoping to head over for a visit so the children get to meet their pen pals.”
Ms Rameka said the pen pal idea was mooted by child and family worker Deanna Wilson, from the Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre in Padstow a few weeks ago.
“I created the Pen Pals program because the team at Coolaburoo felt there was a need for intergenerational communication within our local community,” Ms Wilson said.
“We wanted kids to take a step back from their screens and we wanted older members of the community to understand the kids of today.
“I visit St Therese Primary School in Padstow, Revesby Public School, Yallambee Retirement Village and South Haven Aged Care.
“I also deliver the program to the Revesby Friendship Group, The Mosaics group at Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre and many of the staff and volunteers at Coolaburoo participate too.
“St Therese have integrated the program into their History syllabus and Revesby Public School use the program as an extra-curricular activity.
“I am originally trained in journalism and professional writing, and am passionate about the art of letter writing.”
She thanked Jodie and Dani (Yallambee), Carmen (South Haven), Gail Hrdina (St Therese Primary School), Kay (Revesby Friendship Group), Laura and Lizi for their support.
The children involved are from kindy to Year 6 and their letters are written every fortnight and delivered to the nursing homes.
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The residents’ replies are then handed over to their young pen pals.
“The children were so excited and happy when they received their first letter back from their pen pals,” YMCA OSHC co-ordinator Christine El-Turk said.
“Children were amazed by the handwriting from the residents and of course their age.”
For young Kimaya Gadgil, 11, sharing information is important in addition to knowing more people.
“I enjoy it because I can share information and have someone to talk to who are not just my friends but other people,” Kimaya said.
“I do it because I want to improved my writing skills and techniques and I like having someone to talk to outside of school.”
Sophie Tan, 7, admitted initially she did not like the idea.
“I did not like writing but the more I write, it makes better at writing,” Sophie said.
The positive spin is best expressed by South Haven resident, Nita Evans: “Your letter made me happy and smile.”
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