Students seeking answers ‘Ask Gran not Google’
Young Australians are being encouraged to seek answers from their elders as they Ask Gran not Google as part of a new initiative by innovative home, community and aged care provider Feros Care.
Feros Care pilots new program encouraging youths to ‘Ask Gran not Google’ (Source: Feros Care)
The concept was developed into a pilot program by the provider after one staff member introduced the idea into her family – driving the conversation of the wisdom, experience and value seniors can bring to the lives of young people within the workplace.
Over 1,000 students from ten selected primary and secondary schools in Queensland participated in the pilot program, writing and video messaging their questions to seniors in their life – from close grandparents, to family across oceans, neighbours, community members and Feros Care Residential Village residents, asking more than 2,000 questions in total.
Feros Care Chief Executive Officer Jennene Buckley is excited by the initiative and says the pilot program had a “much greater impact than they ever imagined.”
“Ask Gran not Google… it has opened up the hearts and minds of students and teachers, reminding us of the valuable role seniors play in our families, and our communities,” she explains.
“It really brought home the fact that intergenerational connection is still so important, not just for sharing knowledge and advice but for building deeper relationships, reducing isolation and enriching both seniors’ and students’ lives.”
While acknowledging the important role Google plays in everyday life today, Ms Buckley encourages others to acknowledge and tap into the wisdom and knowledge of seniors.
“The internet is an incredible tool for people of all ages, and it continues to empower people, both young and old,” she says.
“However, the wisdom and life experience of older generations cannot be replaced, and Ask Gran not Google is an extremely powerful reminder of that.”
Given the success of the pilot program and how it has been embraced by participating schools, who are now looking to roll it out to become a regular part of the curriculum, Feros Care is making plans to launch the Ask Gran not Google campaign nationally in 2018.
