Somerset has always been closely connected with Burleigh’s OzCare residents. Each week a group of Somerset students interact with the residents either through the programme ‘Seniors helping Seniors’ or when the Year 9 students visit the centre fortnightly.

Due to the pandemic the fortnightly visits had to be put on hold. Fortunately, we now live in an age of technology where we have been able to use the video conferencing programme Zoom to communicate with the elderly members of our community.

This modified service-learning opportunity has been a major success with students eager to participate in the session running on both Tuesday and Thursday lunch times. These Zoom calls allow us to effectively collaborate with the most vulnerable members of our community. Many of the age care members are unable to see their family, truly appreciate the time we spend with them.

Let the programme prosper in these difficult times until we can safely meet again as these short moments of joy will be invaluable.

Students should contact Mr Walker at bwalker@somerset.qld.edu.au for a Zoom appointment.

Subscribe to our newsletter