Generation Connections in Outside School Hours Care: Children’s Perspectives
Hauptsächlicher Artikelinhalt
Abstract
Age segregation is a significant social issue in Australia and intergenerational programs have been considered as an effective intervention to meet the needs of children and older adults. Both older community members and children are presenting unmet needs that require innovative and cost-effective care solutions. This paper focusses on the perspectives of children who participated in a series of intergenerational programs coordinated by an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service. Semi-structured interviews called Taking Circles were used to gather the children’s ideas and to use their perspectives for program design and innovation. The transcripts of the Talking Circles and field observations were thematically analysed. The children reported positive experiences and genuine connections developed between older adults in their community and themselves. This study is the first Australian research to explore children’s perspectives of intergenerational programs facilitated in OSHC settings.
Keywords: intergenerational program, children’s participation, child-centred approach, outside school hours care service, extended education
Bibliography: Fang, JiaJia/Cartmel, Jennifer: Generation Connections in Outside School Hours Care: Children’s Perspectives, IJREE – International Journal for Research on Extended Education, Vol. 13, Issue 2-2025, pp. 9-27.
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