fortyplus employment support trust

40+ Employment is working with the White Elephant Trust to bring different generations together, to celebrate diversity and history. The project aims to break down barriers between generations, and encourage the sharing of stories and life experiences. This has the potential to improve communication between the generations and empower all participants to grow and learn.

It also encourages the concept of a workforce which brings out the best in young and old.

The project is funded by the Small Grants Fund of the Christchurch City Council.

Past events include:

• a meeting of the Caledonian Society, to which the White Elephant Trust was invited. Both young and old shared their stories, which were recorded for posterity
• a cooking class at Unlimited Raenga Tawhiti, where young people were taught to make cupcakes, and some 40+ clients and family joined in

Planned future events include

• a second cooking class (truffles and ice cream!) following a similar format as the first
• a visit to Mainline Steam, with members from the White Elephant Trust and 40+ Employment, plus friends and associates
• a music-related event (details still at planning stage)
• a youth club meeting
• website launch (planned final event)

Cupcake baking, 29 July 2009

"I found Wednesday morning very interesting. I didn't know the school existed - it is obviously doing a good job and meeting the needs of young people. It was a pleasure to observe and work with the two girls I was with. The morning was fun and the students were obviously enjoying themselves as well as learning."

"Here are some young people with great potential. These kids will go places. I believe in them. They used their creativity in the Cup Cakes. I liked to see them thinking things through. I thoroughly enjoyed being with them and working with them."

"Impressed, and enjoyed my time spent in the friendly atmosphere of the culinary classroom. The accessibility of the teacher and her 'can do' attitude were just wonderful. I must also mention the students, who were so focused and competent that failure or success in creation was taken in their stride. A great way to promote a learning experience."

making ice cream and truffles, 05 August 2009

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