SOWING THE SEEDS OF CHANGE
SENIORS COME TOGETHER TO PROMOTE LITERACY IN BOSTON PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
Roxbury, MA (October 1, 2004)- As the weather
turns colder, hearts are warming up as Generations Incorporated
brings together Boston area older adults and youth at one of several
local schools in a program kickoff event designed to promote literacy.
October 1st marked the beginning of an exciting new program year
for Generations Incorporated as it enters 14 sites this Fall. The
organization recruits older adults to serve as mentors and tutors
for students throughout Dorchester, Roxbury and South Boston. The
volunteers become part of the local Experience Corps team.
This year’s kickoff event was held at the brand new Orchard
Gardens K-8 Pilot School in Roxbury. In addition to encouraging
words from both Executive Director of Generations Incorporated,
Mary Gunn and Principal of Orchard Gardens, Najwaa Abdul Tawwab,
attendants participated in visually and musically spirited intergenerational
activities, including the Cape Verdean percussive stylings of Dorchester
resident, Tony Fonseca, and a poignant tree planting ceremony, where
students and volunteers, wrote and drew their wishes, planted and
watered a tree as a living metaphor for change—that with strong
roots in the community, they can overcome the literacy challenges
they face and grow to new heights.
Generations Incorporated is a 13 year-old non-profit organization
that unites youth and older adults in service to strengthen individuals
and communities. They join these two groups in public schools and
Boys and Girls Clubs, so children can get the individual attention
they need. Generations Incorporated is a partner with Experience
Corps®, a national movement that mobilizes older adults in service
to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Anyone over the age of 55 can volunteer with Generations Incorporated
after training with staff. For more information, call Craig Simenson
at 617-778-0553, or visit the web site at www.generationsinc.org.
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