At the invitation of Mark Waugh, former Deputy Principal of Coolwynpin School in Capalaba, Queensland, we delivered a series of workshops on digital story writing to a group of grandparents. The results of this activity were not just awe-inspiring, but also deeply impactful. Over seven weeks, the grandparents not only wrote stories but also developed new technological skills, a testament to their resilience and adaptability. The sharing of the books they wrote at this year’s grandparent’s breakfast was a powerful moment, as the grandparents read their stories with their grandchildren, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. The feedback from the 300-plus attendees, which included guests, was highly positive, reflecting the inspiring journey of these grandparents and their grandchildren.

Cr Jason Colley is a councillor in the Redlands City Council. He was one of the guests. He wrote the following in one of his social media posts:

Let’s give a round of applause to the participating grandparents. Their dedication and effort have resulted in the creation of books that will be cherished by their families and strengthen the bond between generations.

It was fascinating to watch the grandparents and grandchild interact as they read the stories they had put together. The goal was to create conversation and embed an appreciation for listening and learning from an authentic source, with the inquisitive learners asking questions about personal and relatable stories.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the grandparents, guests, and potential workshop participants who made this event successful. Here are some of the books. Click on these cover pages to read the stories. If you want to know more, please email seelibrary.org@gmail.com.