Be Inspired by 70-year-old Nancy

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 (C3A), 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 students at the Ukulele ILP (Intergenerational Learning Programme). Now I plan to pursue the advanced level in Ukulele so that I can play it during my family gathering session. I can also go round to elderly homes 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 joined 314 other participants in the C3A’s Intergenerational Learning Programme Appreciation and Award Ceremony on 21st September 2013 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 www.c3a.org.sg/intergenerational-learning-programme.

 

** Our special thanks to Ms Nancy Quek for the interview. We wish her all the best.

 

For a full list of short courses, click here.

 

For a full list of exam-free modules, click here.

 

For a list of ad hoc learning opportunities, click here.