Inter-generational project in Rishon Letzion wraps up successful year

A few weeks ago, a group of 250 senior citizens and preschoolers in Rishon Letzion took a field trip together to the city's zoo to celebrate the culmination of a year's worth of fun and friendship.

Visiting the zoo together

Five groups of senior citizens led by Dror Israel in the city have been meeting all year long with five preschools in the city, most also led by Dror Israel preschool teachers, in a process where everyone gained something – a new "adopted" grandparent, or "more grandchildren."

Program participants show off their dance moves

The entire community benefited from new connections between parents, grandparents, families, and residents young and old as the neighborhood's streets and parks filled with more and more familiar faces.

Importantly, this program was not just another volunteer project where the kids "serve" the seniors or vice-versa, rather, it was an entire year where they acted as one group, together and on equal footing.

Year-end event for preschoolers and seniors

This program was born out of partnership between Dror Israel's Community Network for the Elderly, Rishon Letzion's social preschools guided by Dror Israel, the Rishon Letzion Municipality and the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).

Soon, the new school year will begin and with it, the program will expand to more senior citizen groups and more preschools!

New friendships