There was some self-admitted "trepidation" among Launceston Church Grammar Grade 10 students when they heard they would be spending afternoons interviewing elderly residents at Fred French Home in Newstead.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But after the first meeting, that trepidation turned to intrigue as they discovered the rich lives of those who had grown up in Northern Tasmania during the Great Depression and World War Two.
It made their English assignment - writing biographies for these residents - that much easier.
Student Miles Chilcott said they gained insight into how resilient people were in the past.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"All the things they went through early on, especially with their families, was really tough," he said.
"It makes you think about what you're going to do as you move on, and the stories you can have later in your life."
Student Harry Booth said it made them reflect on their own lives and learn more about local history.
The students visited the home once-a-week for five weeks, taking notes from the residents' stories and collecting photographs to collate into a bound book and a USB to share the stories with family.
Fred French Home leisure and lifestyle co-ordinator Bridie White said it was beneficial for both the students and residents.
"It's a great opportunity for the residents to feel valued by younger people and by the wider community, so it's wonderful for them," she said.
"At the end of the program when the boys come and bring the books, some of the residents don't realise that that's their gift to keep. It's a lovely way to finish the program off.
"The residents that were involved last year often they used their books to share with people who come and visit, they use them for volunteers who are visiting to get to know them."
The students enjoyed a morning tea with the residents on Wednesday morning where they presented their finished biographies.
Fred French Home resident Shirley Atto said they were happy to volunteer for the program.
"It was wonderful," she said.
"They came with a list of questions they wanted to ask and I enjoyed being able to answer them for them.
"I found out about their families as well."