Be Inspired by 70-year-old Nancy
Published on
01 Jan 2013
Published by
By C3A
**Picture of Nancy, first row, third person from the right
At 70, Nancy Quek still volunteers regularly at many organisations, from schools, welfare organisations to hospitals. She volunteers about five times a week, each time taking on a different role: from a tour guide to a teacher. Nancy has even started a gourmet club for seniors like herself. And this active ager’s latest achievement - playing the Ukulele.
Nancy learned the Ukulele through “Fun with Ukulele“ Intergenerational Learning Programme (ILP). It is an initiative of the Council for Third Age, organised by Family Central. Nancy attended the five-session course at Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) in May this year. She learned through her junior buddy in this unique programme where youths match with seniors in a learning environment.
On why she joined the programme, Nancy said: “It is my first time I joined the ILP, I am happy to know that youths are patient and kind. I had fun learning from them and it keeps my mind active. I plan to learn from basic class to advanced class, so that I can play Ukulele during my family gathering session and I can go round to elderly homes, day care centres, children homes and any other places where I can amuse the less fortunate.”
Nancy is just one of the many seniors who took part in the ILP since its inception in 2011. One of the key objectives of the ILP is to bridge the generational gap between youths and seniors while improving the mental and social wellbeing of seniors. The ILP offers a wide range of courses through different educational institutions to cater to the different interests of seniors. Some of these topics include social media, health management, photography and more.
Nancy recently joined 314 other participants in the C3A’s Intergenerational Learning Programme Appreciation and Award Ceremony on 21st September to receive their certificate of completion. The event was graced by Mr Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, and Chairman, Active Ageing & Employability Sub-committee. The ILP aims to strengthen intergenerational ties, and improves perceptions and attitudes towards seniors. Ultimately, the programme will help forge intergenerational solidarity and promote social cohesion.
Readers who are interested to find out about the ILP can visit http://www.c3a.org.sg/ilp
**Our special thanks to Nancy Quek for the interview. We wish her all the best.
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