Griffith University hosts Uruguay’s ambassador to share intergenerational research

Griffith University played host to Her Excellency the Ambassador of Uruguay, Dianela Pi at its Nathan campus last week, with representatives sharing information about intergenerational practice in Australia.

Intergenerational learning opportunities have become part of popular culture in the past few years thanks to the ABC television series “Old People’s Home For 4 Year Old’s”, which is the program which inspired the Ambassador to connect up with the University. 

Griffith University was represented by Professor Peter Binks, Vice President of Engagement, Professor Fabrizio Carmignani, Pro Vice Chancellor of Griffith Business School, and the Dean of Engagement GBS, Professor Ruth McPhail, along with members of the Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice (AIIP) Emeritus Professor Anneke Fitzgerald, Associate Professor Jennifer Cartmel, Dr Katrina Radford and Dr Gaery Barbery. 

AIIP was established as a not-for-profit organisation to improve the health and wellbeing of younger and older persons through intergenerational programs and activities.

Having worked at the United Nations on human rights for the aged, Her Excellency was ‘very enthusiastic’ about learning more about intergenerational practice here in Australia. 

Emeritus Professor Fitzgerald said the meeting was a great opportunity for the AIIP team to present to Her Excellency as well as Griffith colleagues on the research that has been conducted at Griffith in intergenerational practice to date.

“It is so good to see the interest and enthusiasm growing beyond our borders and experience the same passion within the Uruguayan childcare, aged care and university communities.”

Within Uruguay, there is a strong interest in developing intergenerational practice from both a research and practice perspective. Her Excellency was very appreciative of the Griffith team’s passion and discussions led to how Griffith University might work with universities in Uruguay to develop research in this field. 

An aged care service, private university and early childhood education and care setting in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo are primed to take part in a similar experience, Her Excellency shared, saying “they are all very enthused about the opportunity to work with the Griffith team and roll out intergenerational practices in their country.”

Professor Binks said that Griffith is very interested and will explore a research relationship with universities in Montevideo. 

To find out more about the work that is being done in intergenerational practice in Australia, visit the AIIP website at aiip.net.au