Cross-generational understanding is being encouraged in some Hunter and Central Coast region schools with Year 10 students being matched with residents from local aged-care facilities.

The “Adopt a Resident” program, which is operating successfully in three of the region’s secondary schools, is designed to strengthen the schools’ roles in their communities and encourage voluntary service by the students.

Toronto High School embarked on the voluntary program at the end of 2007 after an approach from Shelley Moses, the program coordinator at the nearby Carey Bay Aged Care Village. About 24 students from Years 10 to12 visit residents twice a term.

Toronto High’s relieving head teacher technological and applied studies, Verity Robson, said the students had gained confidence from the program.

“It was a challenge – they were surprised to find they could hold a conversation with someone they didn’t know,” Ms Robson said.

Mrs Moses was inspired to set up “Adopt a Resident” after hearing about Maitland Grossmann High School’s successful program, which has been running since 2001.

She said some Carey Bay residents were nervous about meeting the students because they had a “poor view” of younger people, seeing them on the TV only when they were “doing bad things”.

However their concerns were put aside once the students arrived.

“They said, ‘we feel so uplifted, the place is buzzing with life’,” Mrs Moses said. “It was so great to see these young people come in so lovely and well-mannered – it’s given [the residents] great hope for the future.”

Maitland Grossmann High careers adviser Lee Osborne, who coordinates the school’s program with PDHPE teacher Prue Campbell, said it was “very satisfying” that other schools had adopted the program.

Mrs Osborne said she started the program as an opportunity for students to volunteer for a comprehensive community-based project as part of International Year of the Volunteer.

Year 10 students volunteered to visit residents at Benhome and Largs Lodge, two local aged-care facilities.

Mrs Osborne said the program gave students an insight into working in the aged care and health industries and helped students develop tolerance, empathy and patience.

“Most importantly, they’re learning about life. Ensuring that elderly residents feel valued is also an important part of this program,” Mrs Osborne said.