Both Children and the elderly who are located in Xewkija, Gozo can now enjoy the `School Grannies’ project which was founded back in 2021.

This is thanks to an agreement signed between Active Ageing and Community Care and the Xewkija Local Council. Through this project children in Xewkija will now have older people assisting them entering and leaving primary school.

Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela was present for the signing together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli.

It was explained that an expression of interest had already been issued for people aged over 60 to be School Grannies at the Xewkija primary school.

Three seniors had so far shown an interest in joining this project and had been given training in their role before starting on this assignment.

The Minister said that all localities in Malta and Gozo have been encouraged to follow the two localities that are already using School Grannies, so that it can be rolled out on a national basis.

This initiative was set up to encourage older people who have retired from work or who have now lost their family responsibilities, to remain active in the community and also to encourage interaction between the generations, the Minister said.

The role of School Grannies requires that they at the school to welcome the children as they enter and leave according to a schedule prepared by the Local Council.

They also assist the children getting on to the transport travel with them, which is also provided by the Local Council. In collaboration with the police, they help to stop and/or direct traffic and assist children to cross the road.

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