PPSEAWA New Zealand combined the observation of the International Day of Peace with the International Day of Older Persons on 1st October. This is a brilliant way to use young people (the best teachers of peace) to bring joy and peace to older people on their special day.)
In 2015 PPSEAWA Wellington Area Group Celebrated “International Day of Older Persons” by inviting a couple of local MP’s to talk to the elderly, only about a dozen older people showed up, we all had an open and informal chat at Johnsonville Community Centre Hall. International Day of Older Persons was established by the United Nations General Assembly on the 14th December 1990.
Earlier in the year PPSEAWA Wellington Area Group organised an event “Kaleidoscope of Kulture” where a few groups performed musical or dance items, this was reasonably well attended at Newlands Community Centre Hall.
In 2016 we thought that combining these 2 events would be good, the Kaleidoscope of Kultures was mainly children performing items, so we thought that performing for the older people in the community would be good.
Marianne Bishop who works as a caregiver in a Residential Aged Care facility in Johnsonville, got an article in the local community newspaper telling the community what PPSEAWA was planning to do. She contacted 10 Aged care facilities and invited them to bring some residents to watch the performers. PPSEAWA member’s contacted performers they knew of and asked them if they were available to perform. Marianne co-ordinated the performers. 3 members of Parliament were invited to speak to acknowledge “International Day of Older Persons” and thank the performers for their performance. This event was well attended by elderly in the community as well as residents from 1 facility. We had one of the residents and 1 young performer cut a cake, that had been specially made for the occasion and then we all enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea afterwards. Everyone had a great time, PPSEAWA brought together the young the older and some members of parliament to celebrate a wonderful day to acknowledge the older person and how they have and still contribute to their community.
Performers included Ikram & Sachram Singh, Cinthana, Sanchani and Janisha students from Natraj school of Dance, 4 students from Hayley Johnson School of Dance, Janet & Judy Choir and about 15 children from The Virtuoso Strings Community Orchestra.
Members of Parliament were Peter Dunne, Kris Faafoi and Brett Hudson.
Jackie Hollywood attended with about 6 local Girl Guides who helped with afternoon tea.
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Young people at the celebration -
Members of Parliament with an Older Person as guest -
Two Older Persons as special guests with a Member of Parliament. -
Kaleidoscope of Kultures Performers with a Member of Parliament -
A performer in action -
A performer in action -
Performers in Asian Costumes