Last December, just before departing for winter break, Interact and Rotakids students, together with Ms. Dawn Austin and Ms. Marta Vernet from the ASB Rotary Club Barcelona 92, visited the nearby Orpea Elder Care Center to sing Christmas carols for the residents.
The center supports older adults with varying levels of cognitive ability. The director, with whom we have a strong relationship through ongoing activities with different grade levels, asked if we could visit the third floor to sing for the “forgotten elders” - those with more severe cognitive barriers. At first, it seemed as though they were not aware of what was happening. However, after a short while, it became clear that the Christmas carols were bringing them great joy.
The experience deeply impacted the students. They realized that, even when reactions are not immediately visible, a meaningful human connection is still possible. The students felt they had truly made a difference and became more aware of the importance of helping others.