There was laughter, hugs and even a few lumps in throats in a moving gift of intergenerational respect and care, as a group of older Tasmanians were presented with personal biographies of their lives by students from a nearby college.

Residents at Mornington Community Lillian Martin were given hard-bound biographies of their lives by students from MacKillop Catholic College at a special afternoon tea on 21 October. Many family members also attended.

This was the pinnacle of an intergenerational school program titled Echoes of Grace: A Journey Through a Tough Time.

Teacher Sue Howard says a key component is gathering the rich histories of the residents to create personalised books for them and their families.

Sue says this honours the lives of the residents and provides students with a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape our community.

Over 18 students visited the residents and engaged in deep conversations in order to capture and write up their biographies. They also obtained photographs from the residents to put in the books, each with its own personal cover.

Lillian Martin’s Residential Services Manager Vicki Mills says the afternoon tea was a wonderful event, characterised by warmth, laughter and genuine friendships forged over the months. “I know some of the students have also visited the residents outside the program,” she says.

Vicki adds: “The program has been a wonderful opportunity for residents to reflect on their lives and to recapture some of their most precious memories to be passed down to future generations. Both young and old say their lives have been enriched by this experience, with friendships forged that will last long after the final school bell sounds for the year.”

Lifestyle Assistant Veneta Kelly echoes Vicki’s reflections and says on at least three occasions students have visited ‘their’ residents outside the program. “It’s been heart-warming to see,” Veneta says. “The magic has gone both ways. It’s been lovely to watch friendships unfold over the program. At first the students and the residents were a bit awkward with each other, but as the time passed, so their bonds grew. I heard them chat about all sorts of things, and I know many of the students had a bit of an eye-opener when it came to learning about the residents’ incredible life experiences.”

Lifestyle Coordinator Vickie Pearce says it was a fascinating experience to compare teenage years now to those of residents. “They’ve shared laughs, swapped stories and some residents have even offered the students life advice,” explains Vickie. “It’s fair to say both young and old have enjoyed it.”

Two of the older people have passed away since the program started and Vickie says the families now, more than ever, appreciate the biographies of their loved ones.