For fifteen years, seniors in Vienna and beyond have voluntarily cared for socially disadvantaged children and young people. The “Krone” was visiting. The ‘grandmas’ and ‘grandpas’ fill an important gap in the children’s lives – and are often rewarded with lifelong friendships.
When the “Krone” enters the building of the Oma/Opa project in Kalvarienberggasse in Vienna-Hernals, it is completely silent. We are currently studying hard. Twice a week, for two hours in the afternoon, seniors spend time here with children and young people between the ages of 6 and 17.
Much more than ‘just’ tutoring
The successful project was founded 15 years ago as a neighborhood aid project. Currently 90 children and young people are accommodated there. The idea behind the project? The children must learn German in a protected environment, master school challenges, build up resources, develop their personality and acquire social skills.
“No one calls us grandma and grandpa here”
Sonja Rappold commutes back and forth between Vienna, Krems and Amstetten. Because that is where the other two locations of the learning guidance project are located. She is responsible for project coordination and is something like the good soul of the house. “No one calls us grandma and grandpa here. The children address us by our first names,” the 59-year-old explains. No wonder: not all teaching assistants are seniors; there are also younger volunteers who help. The 140 volunteers are between 20 and 85 years old.
The volunteers play an important role for the children, but also for their families. We not only learn together, but we also receive support in the transition from school to training or to a job.
Friendships across generations
One of the ‘grandmothers’ is Silvia Kovanda. She retired in November 2022 and was looking for meaningful work. Then she came across the Oma/Opa project at the volunteer fair in the town hall. “I get so much back and I always learn something new here,” says the former leisure teacher enthusiastically.
She has no grandchildren of her own. She has been caring for Batuhan (9) for almost two years. Personal contact is paramount. The retiree also has contact with his family and they often go on excursions together. Friendships for life were formed here.
“In any case, the need is enormous, also because many children have no one at home and their parents cannot afford after-school care,” says Rappold. Grandmas and grandpas are always welcome to volunteer in the project. Anyone who cannot donate time but still wants to support the work can contribute to the expenses of “Grandmas” and “Grandpas”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
