Young and old come together in the Multi-Generation Connection project where students and senior citizens meet to learn from one another, build relationships and engage in new experiences that help bridge the generational gap. Together they learn to see beyond the stereotypes they hold for each other and discover the value of each person.

The Multi-Generation project is open to all students in the network’s sci-tech schools. The young volunteers must first complete study sessions designed to uncover and debunk prejudices and negative perceptions they may have about the elderly.

Technologically savvy students teach the elders how to use computers and access the Internet. Once they have learned basic computer skills, the seniors write their life stories on the computer bringing their histories to life for their grandchildren and generations to come. Students from participating industrial schools use their training to provide seniors with free hairdressing and make-up application sessions.

Some participating sci-tech schools adopt senior citizens who have no family or whose families are in economic distress. Students help spruce up their homes, deliver their medications, make sure they have enough food and invite them to participate in school events.

Students in the program also visit immigrant seniors who have come to Israel on their own and have no family living nearby. Weekly visits provide them with company and entertainment.

Many sci-tech students also celebrate holidays with and bring entertainment to seniors in their neighborhoods. Seniors can also take courses in jewelry making, astronomy and science offered by the network’s Centers of Excellence.