At Presbyterian Preschool Services (PPS), we take pride in nurturing young minds and fostering meaningful intergenerational connections. Today, at the grand opening of A Good P.L.A.C.E by Presbyterian Community and Social Services (PCSS), we were honored to showcase a programme, Roots and Branches, that embodies our core values, bringing together children from Little Olive Tree (Foochow Methodist Church) and seniors from PCSS’s Active Ageing Centres (AACs).
Roots and Branches is an intergenerational programme by PPS, designed to foster meaningful connections between preschool children and seniors. Through shared learning, regular interactions, collaborative projects, and community service, this programme bridges generations, nurturing wisdom, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
At today’s event, as part of our Roots and Branches Programme, our preschoolers participated in an acrylic pour art activity with seniors, creating beautiful, abstract masterpieces together. Each child was paired with a senior, guiding them through the creative process.
The first instruction was simple: add three colors into a cup. What followed was a heartwarming exchange of thoughts and choices. Across the room, children and seniors engaged in lively discussions, demonstrating patience and empathy. At one table, young Ananya thoughtfully suggested to her partner, “It should have one of your favorite colors.” This small act of consideration encapsulated the values we strive to instill in our children—kindness and respect.
At another table, a senior curiously asked little Felix Goh how to spread the colors smoothly across the canvas. With a confident grin, Felix exclaimed, “You can blow the paint with a straw, spin the turntable, or tilt it and let gravity do the work!” It was such an honor to witness the joy of learning together!
As the activity progressed, the space transformed into a gallery of swirling, colorful artwork—on canvases, pebbles, and even aprons. But beyond the visual beauty was something even more striking: the deep bonds being formed.
The seniors beamed with joy, their hands moving with newfound confidence under the guidance of their young partners. The children, in turn, displayed patience and a genuine eagerness to teach. Such is the spirit of empathy and collaboration!
The highlight of the day was a special moment when the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, joined in. Partnering with Alice Ong, a senior from Potong Pasir AAC, and Celine Tham, a preschooler from Little Olive Tree (FMC Farrer Park), he participated in the activity, creating a symbolic piece of intergenerational art. This artwork will be displayed at A Good P.L.A.C.E, serving as a reminder of its mission: fostering connection, learning, and community.
As educators, seeing our preschoolers interact so meaningfully with seniors reaffirms the importance of holistic learning. At Little Olive Tree, we don’t just focus on academics—we cultivate character, relationships, and the joy of giving back to the community. The values learned in these moments—kindness, patience, and respect—will stay with our children throughout their lives, shaping the way they interact with the world around them. Likewise, for the seniors, the memories of these joyful interactions will be cherished, serving as a source of warmth and inspiration.
Located at 7 Holland Village Way, #01-21, One Holland Village, A Good P.L.A.C.E is a vibrant community space dedicated to serving seniors, and supporting youths with special needs. P.L.A.C.E, which stands for Presbyterian Learning and Community for Empowerment, offers a safe and welcoming environment with a mission to Engage, Equip and Empower those who walk through its doors.
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