My nephew, Marshall, participated in a program with the Tchefuncte Middle School called K.I.S.S. (Kids Interacting with Seniors Successfully). Their group is now in the finals of the State Farm Service Learning Solutions Showcase. These fifth grade children began regularly visiting the residents at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Mandeville, Louisiana. Each child was assigned a “buddy,” and the positive impact upon the lives of the children and the seniors is so gratifying, I hope you will all take a moment and watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T8I4B-vPoM&feature=PlayList&p=76AFEACF064C53E1&index=4
Of course, we want you to vote for Marshall’s school too!
In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we often forget how important human contact, compassion and friendship are to those whose lives are not going so well. These kids learned that people with infirmities need love just as much as the rest of us, and they delivered.
As much as like to write long blogs, I think I will just let the kids speak for me.
Steve Waldman – swaldman@gwlawyers.com
February 14, 2009 at 3:41 pm
It is great to see the interaction between such a wide range of age groups. This helps both groups to look at life in differing ways. The young children gain the insight of the wisdom of the older generation and learn interactions with adults who are not related to them. On the other hand, the older adults gain new friends with whom they can bond with and, even if temporarily, regain their youth for awhile.
Great story!