The Crawford International Ruimsig Grade Seven learners hosted a high tea for senior residents from various old-age homes and retirement villages on Friday, September 12.

The school hosts the event to alleviate loneliness, as the senior citizens are sometimes lonely because they seldom get the chance to attend such social gatherings.

Residents from Amorosa Retirement Village, Moria Krugersdorp, Green Park, Flower Foundations Retirement Homes, Summit Village Horizon View, Môreglans Krugersdorp, Floroma Old Aged Home, and Elm Park graced the event with their presence. The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers, teacups, savoury treats and snacks like fruit sticks for the guests to nibble on while at the event.

The learners were waiters and waitresses for the day, serving the elders with food, snacks, and drinks of their choice. There was soft music playing in the background, which created a welcoming environment for the guests as they entered the venue and were being ushered to sit at their tables, where they prepared themselves for the day.

The school’s junior choir serenaded the guests’ ears with their angelic voices as they sang to open the event. The learners from the various grades in the intermediate phase kept the elders entertained all day long through various entertainment activities like marimba band music, dance crews, Indian dances, string and ensemble, theatrics, choir and musical theatre. Some of the elders moved their chairs closer to the stage and faced the learners who were performing, fully enjoying every moment of the day. Some of the seniors took out their cellphones and video cameras to record the action of the day to create memories they can always look back at.

At the end of the event, the elders received goodie bags. Their excitement could be seen from the smiles and conversations that they shared among themselves. Others even mentioned that they are looking forward to next year’s event.