Bunting
At Embolden2018 we set out to decorate the Market of Great Ideas with Bunting featuring messages from Italian Elders about how they experience respect in their families. This Made in Italy theme resulted in powerful insights about respect for Elders in Italian culture and the story was picked up by SBS Italian (here). It presented an opportunity for cross cultural learning - and for Italian communities to celebrate the tradition of respect for Elders.
bunting makers wanted
We are calling for a broad range of cultural groups to join us in making Bunting for Embolden2019. We are seeking groups who would like to gather stories about how Elders are respected in their culture - and to write these stories on Bunting to be displayed at the Market of Great Ideas at Embolden2019.
Made in italy - at Embolden2018
We wanted to know what we could learn from Italian culture about respect for Elders. We called on Italian Elders to in Australia to tell us what families do to show respect and love. Special thanks to the Italian Senior Citizens Club in Ormond and Kensington and to Francesca Rizzoli from SBS Italian for helping to spread the word. Some of the messages about respect were:
- I am 94 and I feel respected by everyone - by my family and my children and my neighbours. The neighbours come around to see how I am. The great grandchildren come to visit - my house is always full. I love to cook for them. The neighbours go shopping and buy things for me. I repay people by crocheting for them. I know they love me because they are always checking up on me. I repay them with crochet 2. My children respect me because I take care of the grandchildren. My children take me to a restaurant because my husband doesn't like to go. They take me shopping - I don't have a car. I feel respected.
- I've got one daughter that lives in London - she rings me every week. My son lives in Melbourne - he comes every week and I can cook for him. He is a very nice boy. He loves me. He phones me. He takes me if I need to go somewhere or need something done. He never complains. My grandchildren love me too.
- I try to be as independent as possible. If I need anything I ask my family and they are there for me
- When my children come to see me I play with the grandchildren and I feel young again
- I'm always available for everyone - in sickness - with cakes - first in best dressed - with smiles. I get back what I give. I am loved beyond words. The respect they show me is big. They are always there for me and they take me places. We are united. We are blessed. I feel good when I help people. When they respect me I feel very happy
- I have 3 children - they help me with shopping or to go to the doctor. If I need something the children come - I don't drive. My husband has dementia - so I need their help. I feel loved by my kids - my husband too. My husband loves me so much - he says everyday he must die before me because without me he has got nothing
- I have 5 children - one daughter lives with me and she takes me to the doctor and shopping. My sons ring me every day to see how I am. It is good to have a daughter with me because she respect me. She take me with her. She is a big help. Its true
- I have 4 children and they come and see me every Sunday and that’s lovely. They are always doing their own thing and so its hard to do much. But they come. If I can't get something - they get it for me to save me going out. I feel respected. We all do the best we can. Once a month we have an early dinner
- What I like best is when my son takes me to the cemetery to see my husband. I feel better when I see him - better from my heart
- My daughter rang and said: I want to make apple pie for you mumma. She made nice apple pie for me - make me happy
- When my grandchildren come and visit I feel happy. They come for dinner. We spend time together. I enjoy myself. They remind me of my husband
- I like it when my children take me to the dentist, the doctor and shopping. It feels good. I can’t go by bus or train.