Elizabeth Knox and Epsom Library Partner to Support New Migrants
Elders are out in our community, making a difference and breaking down barriers for themselves and our new migrants.
Elders from Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital, a not-for-profit care home in Epsom, are this week starting their second free English Conversation Course at Epsom Library. Their first dozen students have completed the course and there is a waiting list of 25 already lining up for the next Elder-led programme.
Neighbours, Epsom Library and Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital, saw a need in the community for learners to practice their English in a safe local environment and put their heads together to solve the problem. They saw that Knox had residents rich in experience, patience and language while
Epsom library had the space and the strong migrant community.
The result was a fortnightly programme that allowed learners to sign up to practice speaking with Knox elders over a 12 week period. The ratio of 2 or 3 learners to each care home resident meant that there was ample opportunity to practice speaking and gain confidence.
“We expected them to improve their English” said Tasha Mekisic, Knox staff team member, “but we were delighted by the relationships that developed. They really looked forward to seeing each other. They shared stories and photos and got to know each other really well”. The elders of Knox and the learners got on so well that they continued meeting and one new migrant has also decided to volunteer at Knox after meeting residents.
The energy and conversation at Epsom Library during the sessions illustrated the way in which libraries today act as a hub for the community. Rachel Xu, Senior Library Assistant Ethnic Communities, sees the library as being a vital part of new migrant’s life. “The library is a meeting place for them. They learn about their new community and make friends and connections”.
As the residents of Elizabeth Knox have shown, age is no barrier to making a difference in the community.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.4% Yes
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32.3% Maybe?
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26.3% No
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
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