Last August, I was invited
to join a programme, run by the University of Glamorgan, called 'Write
On'. I met with Jo Lewis, who was running the Programme, and I don't think
either of us knew how, or if, the Programme would work.
At our first meeting, held in St John Baptist School, there were seven
over 50s and eight pupils from the school, their ages ranging from 15-17.
It was rather tense, as no one knew exactly what to expect.
On our second meeting, right through until our last, our laughter could
be heard throughout the corridors of the school. Every week we discussed
a different topic, the youngsters telling us about their school and personal
lives, their hopes and ambitions.
Us 'oldies' talked about our school days, the pupils were horrified by
our tales of corporal punishment, photographs of our ancient school uniforms
and being practically 'force fed' our school dinners.
Jo arranged for us to receive tuition on the computers, visits from TV
producers, music producers, or even a visit to the 'Pop Factory', where
we met groups from other schools who were taking part in the Project.
The group of students at St Johns were a credit to their parents and their
school. They laughed with us, not at us, they were polite and very friendly.
At our last meeting we had a small buffet and we were all sad to see the
end of the Programme. At the start of next term, all who participated
in the project will receive a certificate for the course.
If this project is held in your area - do join. It'll take years off you,
and you'll come to understand teenagers - they're not all bad!
Jean Roberts
RSVP Organiser, Cynon Valley
Click on link below for more information about RSVP