Intergenerational mingling at Easter

Programme coordinator Betty Ormsby with some of her students. Photos: Scott Boardman Collective.

Toi Ohomai flight attending students were able to get some hands-on experience this Easter, serving the retirees at Ocean Shores.

The institute's relationship with the Mount retirement village is in its fifth year, and gives students a chance to practice their hospitality skills and mingle with an older generation.

NZ Certificate in Aviation (Flight Attending) programme coordinator Betty Ormsby says the students have been going to Ocean Shores when there's a special occasion, to serve meals and refine the skills they are learning on the programme.

'We try and look for ways for the students to be involved in the community and get some real-life experience at the same time,” she says.

'The retirees at Ocean Shores are perfect because they are welcoming and gracious. They know the students are learning and they are always encouraging and complimentary.”

Ocean Shores entertainment committee chair Pat Manktelow says the residents enjoy the students coming and appreciate the chance to be able to assist them with their learning.

'It's valuable for the students to be involved with the older generation. It helps them to appreciate another side of life. On the other hand, the residents love them coming to assist at events so both groups get something out of it. The students are always very friendly and polite. They are happy to join in, even dancing with the residents at our Easter dinner event.”

'The students do enjoy these experiences,” says Betty. 'Some of them even come back after they've graduated in December to assist with the Ocean Shores Christmas function.”

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