The Department of Education and the Department of Seniors of the Arrecife City Council presented this Wednesday at a press conference the project Chinijos y Sabios – Abrazos en Papel, an initiative that promotes intergenerational bonding through the exchange of letters between schoolchildren in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade of the municipality and seniors over 60 years of age.
The presentation ceremony was attended by the deputy mayor of the capital's City Council, Echedey Eugenio, the Councilor for Education, Abigail González, and the Councilor for Seniors, Rosmen Quevedo, who highlighted the importance of this initiative to strengthen communication between generations and promote mutual learning.
Chinijos y Sabios – Abrazos en Papel aims to connect more than 500 schoolchildren from all schools in Arrecife with older people, through handwritten correspondence. During the development of the project, the participants will exchange three letters in which they will share experiences, memories, values and personal reflections. The initiative will culminate with an emotional face-to-face meeting in which children and seniors will be able to meet in person and share everything they have experienced.
The deputy mayor, Echedey Eugenio, stressed that this project not only brings generations closer, but also allows the youngest to know and value the traditions, experiences and customs of those who preceded them. “We are facing an integrating and enriching initiative, which promotes a more inclusive and strengthened society through dialogue between adults and children. It is a project to enjoy, to learn and, above all, to build. As public officials, we have the obligation to promote initiatives that help us create a better society.”
For her part, the Councilor for Education, Abigail González, highlighted that “this project is a unique opportunity for the youngest to discover the value of writing as a tool for communication and learning. In addition, it allows them to learn about new perspectives and realities through the eyes of those who have lived in other times.”
Likewise, the Councilor for Seniors, Rosmen Quevedo, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative on the older population. “It is a way to combat loneliness and social isolation, offering our seniors the possibility of feeling heard, valued and being an active part of the community.”
Three phases
The program is developed in three essential phases that allow the experience to be meaningful for all participants. The first phase begins with an initial workshop, in which a writer and a specialist in emotional intelligence accompany the participants in writing their first letter, providing them with tools to express themselves with confidence and emotion.
Next, the exchange of letters will take place, in which children and wise men share their thoughts and experiences through three mailings, each with a specific theme designed to encourage introspection and dialogue. As the process progresses, the ties between generations are strengthened, allowing an exchange of learning and values.
Finally, the project will culminate with a special meeting in which children and seniors will meet in person, putting a face to the words they have shared during the process.
During the development of the project, creative workshops and dynamics will be carried out that will allow participants to reflect on their identity, their dreams and the values they wish to transmit.
The capital's representatives concluded the presentation of the project, emphasizing that Chinijos y Sabios – Abrazos en Papel is an example of how writing can become a powerful tool to strengthen ties and learn from each other”, and thanking Esther Suárez, project coordinator, for her presence and work.