A special Easter eggstravaganza party is being held for an Edinburgh care home by big-hearted pupils from Drummond Community High School.
The S5 and S6 pupils have spent the last year visiting the residents at the City of Edinburgh Council’s Porthaven Care Home as part of a project to socialise and interact with older people.
Their latest activity is an Easter party today when they will help residents make Easter bonnets, colouring in Easter eggs and take part in other fun-filled games.
So far this year the pupils have raised £750 through fund-raising events such as S5/S6 boys’ leg waxing, dress down days, supermarket bag packing and bake sales. The money raised has gone towards buying residents a 42″ colour television.
They have also held events at another Council-run care home, Marionville Court, which have included Hallowe’en and Christmas parties, a Rabbie Burns afternoon and a Scottish Extravaganza.
Amna Shafqat, S6 pupil, said: “I am a much more confident individual after my experience in the care homes. I have really enjoyed myself and have learnt a lot through the sessions. I would always go back and do more events with them.”
Josh Duffy, S6 pupil, said: “The experience has been great. It has made each of us, in turn learn valuable lessons, and has brought us all closer together. The residents have made us all appreciate our own families and have moulded us into who we are today.”
Davina Bullock, 84 years, said: “We have had many great and happy times, with everyone helping one another. I like to take part in the quizzes and games and we always have a laugh together. The students are always very friendly and nothing is too much trouble.”
Robert Young, 75 years, said: “It helps to pass the day and cheers us all up. It is good of the students to come here, they always put in a lot of hard work making up quizzes and games. I sit with my friends and they all enjoyed themselves to.”
Susan Lambert, Principal Teacher at Drummond Community High School, said: “The aim of the project is bring happiness and companionship to residents and break down some of the stereotypical barriers often associated with young people.
“Both the pupils and residents have benefited tremendously from all the activities over the past 12 months and we hope the fantastic link established between our school and the care homes will continue for many years to come.”
Councillor Paul Edie, Health and Social Care Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this project go from strength to strength as it’s bringing together the young and old for a really good cause.
“Not only have the pupils gained a lot from the experience and heard the life stories of the older people, the care home residents have also benefited from the youngsters’ smiling faces and great company.”
