The Active Ageing Ministry has organised an intergenerational event involving elderly people and sixth-form students from Gozo.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that the event was divided into three parts, and it was a collaboration between the ministry, Il-Hagar Museum, Sir M.A. Refalo sixth-form and Heritage Malta.

The theme of the project was “Museum Connections: A Creative Journey Across Generations.”

The session began with art teacher Mario Cassar explaining to elderly people how to analyse works of art.

The elderly people who attended chose one work of art from the museum and wrote a detailed description of it. The students present had to replicate the work of art based on the description the elderly person gave.

Then the elderly participants and the students discussed the artwork that the students painted and compared and contrasted this artwork with the artwork in the museum.

Later on, the elderly participants and students studying history were invited to visit the Ggantija temples, and also discuss the themes related to the historical place.

Abela said that these projects have several benefits for both the elderly and the youth. He added that these programs help to strengthen unity and solidarity in the community between generations.

This helps reduce loneliness, he said which has a positive effect on the health and quality of life of the elderly.

“We would like to foster a sense of social responsibility in our communities and art, culture and sport are just a few means to reach this goal,” Abela said.