As students across Scotland received exam results last week, three octogenarians at a care home in Bearsden were also celebrating academic success.
Myra Davidson (84), Jeff Hutton (86) and Pat Hutton (83) have proudly earned a NVQ qualification in Italian after completing a 12-week course with social enterprise, Lingo Flamingo at Meallmore run care home, Antonine House.
In recognition of the dedication and hard work of the residents, the team at Antonine House held a graduation in ceremony for the trio, complete with food platters, prosecco, graduation hats, gowns and balloons. Residents, family, friends and Meallmore colleagues joined the party, celebrating success and lifelong learning.
In collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Lingo Flamingo offers residents in care homes, including those living with a dementia diagnosis, the opportunity to gain a formal SQA accredited qualification at National 2 level in a modern language.
The residents study a twelve-week tutor-led course, following the Lingo Flamingo format of study using vivid and accessible language workbooks – the first of their kind in the world – created specifically with older learners in mind. The course covers a variety of topics such as greetings, numbers, geography, hobbies, food and animals and nature.
There are no formal examinations and assessment is an ongoing process with evidence collected by the class tutor throughout the duration of the course.
Myra, along with husband-and-wife Jeff and Pat, earned their NVQ in Italian under the expert guidance of Margot Ross from Lingo Flamingo; proving that there are no limits to learning and experiences, regardless of age.
While providing a fun activity, the qualifications also meant a great deal to the residents. Pat explained that she had left school at 15 without any certificates, so to achieve her first qualification was an emotional and proud experience for her.
Antonine House General Manager, June McIntosh said: “We’re so, so proud of Myra, Pat and Jeff – and importantly, they were really proud of themselves. It was a joy to celebrate with them. The graduation had such a happy, festive atmosphere and everyone had a brilliant day. ‘Congratulazioni’ to our new Italian speakers and a huge thank you to Rosi and Margot and the fantastic team at Lingo Flamingo.
“This graduation ceremony is a testament to our commitment to providing diverse and enriching activities for our residents. It highlights the unlimited potential for learning and growth, regardless of age, and the supportive environment we foster at Meallmore.”
Rosi Mele, development manager at Lingo Flamingo added: “Over the last nine years, Lingo Flamingo has taught foreign languages and Scottish Gaelic to nearly 5000 elderly learners. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them, but especially of those who have achieved a national 2 qualification, often overcoming health and cognitive barriers and proving that it is never too late to learn something new and have fun doing it!
“We are very grateful to Antonine House for supporting our mission and believing in and encouraging their residents.”
Antonine House, located on Roman Road, is run by leading care home provider, Meallmore Ltd and provides excellent standards of care for its residents, including those living with dementia.
More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at https://www.meallmore.co.uk
