The East Belfast playgroup bringing generations together to learn from each other

A playgroup in East Belfast has been teaming up with a group of older people to help the generations learn from each other.

Stormont Playgroup is for three-year-old children in the area, and throughout the year they attend events with the Evergreens, a social club for those in the area aged 60 and up.

A highlight of the year includes a visit from the playgroup to the Evergreens at Christmas time - where the youngsters delight with a carolling session.

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This week, the two groups teamed up to learn about exotic animals with the help of Amazon Jungle Show NI. They were able to interact with and hold reptiles such as lizards, geckos, snakes, a tortoise and even a chameleon.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Stormont Playgroup leader, Kerrie Briggs, said the youngsters always look forward to seeing the ladies from the Evergreens, adding that they've seen benefits through their intergenerational events.

She said: "It was great to have Amazon Jungle Show in, they brought a range of animals in to help the kids learn about them. We also had the Evergreens group here which has been a great intergenerational event.

"The kids were so excited about the event, and they did so well facing their fears by touching and holding the animals. I'm so proud of each of them."

Helen Gillanders, leader of the Evergreens, said they always look forward to seeing the little ones from the playgroup. As for the event this week, Helen said it was "excellent", and she even found herself enjoying the company of a chameleon who was happy climbing up her arm.

"Today was different, but it was excellent. Even some of us older folk hadn't seen some of those animals, and one of the ladies sitting beside me wouldn't touch the animals! But I thought it was a wonderful event," Helen added.

"The playgroup come in to us before Christmas and give us a little show. We've had puppets come from Comber Presbyterian Church and the little ones came in for that, it was really interesting - they were handmade puppets telling Bible stories.

"It's lovely to have the wide range of ages, from the tiny little ones before school, to us at the end of the scale. I think it's very good for the older people to meet the wee ones, and vice versa."

As for the benefits of teaching kids about exotic animals, Catherine Bennett from Amazon Jungle Show NI said: "Like me, I'm hoping kids grow up to be very gentle with animals and respect them. I'd love them to maybe also want to explore the world, go to the Amazon, and see these animals in the jungle."

Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.

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