In an effort to foster intergenerational bonding amid issues of generation gap, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Apo Ko: Kwento ni Lolo’t Lola, Gabay ng Kabataan (My grandchild: Stories from Grandpa and Grandma, Guide to Youth) Project on Thursday at the Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal.

The project aims to foster meaningful connections by connecting older persons in DSWD centers and residential care facilities (CRCF) with children aged 4 to 5 who are attending early childhood care sessions in order to achieve mutual enrichment of the intergenerational sectors.

“Ang proyektong ito ay isang pagkilala sa karunungan ng mga matatanda bilang yaman ng ating lipunan at pagbibigay halaga sa paggabay sa ating mga kabataan bilang pag asa ng ating bayan (This project recognizes the wisdom of the elderly as a treasure of society and gives importance to their guidance to the youth who are considered the hope of our nation),” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message delivered by Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar of the DSWD’s International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (IASAS) Group.

Through the Apo Ko project, the DSWD chief said the elderly are provided with an opportunity to share their wisdom gained from their experiences and impart good values to the children.

Under the project, a Dream Team of lolos and lolas (grandfathers and grandmothers) from the Haven for the Elderly and Golden Reception and Action Center (GRACES) will lead storytelling sessions to young children in child development centers.

Interactive workshops will also be held where the elderly and the children will collaborate on hands-on creative projects that will blend traditional skills with modern technology.

Aside from the values imparted to the new generation, the lolos and lolas from the center will be able to experience bonding with the children as their “apo” or grandchild, according to the DSWD chief.

“More than the sharing of knowledge, these moments of interaction also nurture familial relationship,” Gatchalian said.

For his part, Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco thanked the DSWD for coming up with this innovative and timely project and for the conduct of the pilot implementation at the Haven for the Elderly located in the town.

The mayor said the project will benefit the children greatly, especially in addressing their fixation on gadgets.

Lolo Jaime Alfonso, a member of the Dream Team, also thanked the DSWD for coming up with this project involving the elderly as they also need activities.

“Para sa aming pag-iisip. Para din makapagbahagi sa mga bata (For our mind’s health, and also to share with the kids),” Alfonso said.

Another Dream Team member, 75-year-old Lola Luisa said she is happy to be part of the program.

“Makakatulong din kami sa mga kabataan para mapreserve mga social values tulad ng paggalang sa matatanda, pagmamahal sa mga matatanda, pagmamahal sa sarili, sa kapwa at higit sa lahat, sa Maykapal (We are also able to help the youth to preserve social values like respect and love for elders, and love of self, of others, and most of all, of God),” she said.

Meanwhile, Pauline Batac, mother of a 5-year-old participant, expressed her appreciation for the project which brings back memories of her bonding with her lolo who used to tell her stories.

“Nagulat po kami sa umpisa kasi may ganito po palang program ang DSWD. Pero naging masaya po kami, na-excite kami sa program kasi yung lolo po niya wala na po. Na-excite kami kasi may storytelling daw with lolo at lola (We were surprised when we found out that DSWD had this kind of program. But we became happy and excited with it because my child’s grandfather is already gone. We got excited because my child related the storytelling session with grandpa and grandma),” she said.

With its pilot implementation underway, the DSWD hopes to make the project a model of intervention to foster mutual respect and nurture intergenerational relationships. (PNA)