Youth And Seniors Learning Together

YELLOWKNIFE – September 21 – This is Senior Citizens’ Week in the Northwest Territories (September 20-26th). It is being celebrated with the theme: “Youth and Seniors Learning Together”.Seniors throughout the Territory are looking forward to working with schools to promote shared learning experiences between youth and seniors. NWT Schools have received an Event Planning Guide, produced by the NWT Seniors’ Society, to help develop ideas and plan events and activities involving children, youth and elders.

“Youth and seniors have many opportunities to learn from one another and share ideas and knowledge. Each should take advantage of the chance to interact and learn,” says Minister Responsible for Seniors, Sandy Lee.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment in partnership with the NWT Seniors’ Society, has made funding available to youth centres across the NWT to carry out literacy events and activities during Senior Citizens’ Week and Literacy Week (September 27 to October 3, 2009).

This initiative will bring seniors and youth together in literacy events and community activities – bridging the generation gap and helping to make new and positive connections between younger and older adults. Activities will include developing cook books with recipes from Elders, documenting Elders’ stories and community histories, teaching Senior’s computer skills such as email use, and having youth learn traditional harvesting skills from Elders.

“We have much to be proud of with our own culture and heritage. The opportunity to learn from our Elders adds to the overall education of our young people and helps them to develop a strong sense of identity,” Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty says.

For more information

contact:
Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927