On 27 October 2024, NTUC First Campus’s (NFC) My First Skool (MFS) preschool organised a 3-Generation Cookout session – ‘Gramps’ & Kids’ Cookout’ – to bring together intergenerational families for an exciting day of learning, fun, and food, honouring the invaluable role grandparents play in our families and communities, as well as to create cherished memories ahead of Grandparents’ Day. This event is also in support of Families for Life’s ‘Celebrating our Grands’ campaign.

This special cookout session is designed to foster connections between different generations through the timeless art of cooking. With an emphasis on teamwork and creativity, the initiative brought together grandparents, parents, and young children to prepare two special dishes (Mac & Cheese and Apple Tart), chosen after a preference survey.

In today’s fast-paced world, families often find it difficult to spend quality time together, and younger generations may miss out on learning valuable skills and traditions from their elders. The ‘Gramps’ & Kids’ Cookout’ event provides an opportunity to close that gap by using food – a universal language – as a tool to connect people.

Held at At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, more than 160 participants from 33 families took part in the activity, which is an extension of My First Skool’s Intergenerational (IG) Programme. The IG programme fosters connections across generations by bringing about 14,000 children together with about 2,500 seniors yearly through various activities, such as storytelling, arts and crafts as well as workout sessions. All 160 My First Skool preschool centres organise planned IG programmes for its Kindergarten 1 and 2 children. 

“At My First Skool, we are always exploring fun and innovative ways for our children to connect with and learn from seniors in the community. For this Grandparents’ Day, we wanted to create a memorable experience for our children and our staff, many of whom are grandparents themselves, through a special cookout session that fosters family bonding. Cooking together as a family or community is such a powerful way to build bridges between generations. It’s not just about learning to cook; it’s about learning from each other, sharing life experiences, and creating memories that will last for years to come. This event is a celebration of those connections, of how food has the power to unite people across generations,” said Ms Thian Ai Ling, General Manager of My First Skool.

“We are also grateful for the support of our partners, At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy and Families for Life, who helped make this event truly special for everyone involved,” she added.

“As Singapore’s leading culinary school, At-Sunrice is happy to support My First Skool in its initiative to create more impactful intergenerational programmes in the community through the art of food and cooking,” said Dr Kwan Lui, Founder and Director of At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy.

“It is great to see more partners like My First Skool being part of the national Families for Life movement to build strong and resilient families. Cooking and learning together, such as at the Gramps’ & Kids’ Cookout, is a delightful way to spend quality time as a family. This event is timely as we dedicate the month of October to Celebrating Our Grands with activities to foster intergenerational bonding,” said Ms Seah Yang Hee, Director (Partnership) / Family Life Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament, was the Guest of Honour at the event.

Media coverage

Berita Harian coverage of NTUC First Campus’s My First Skool (BH online – 27 October 2024)

Berita Harian coverage of NTUC First Campus’s My First Skool (BH print – 27 October 2024)

Lianhe Zaobao coverage of NTUC First Campus’s My First Skool (ZB online – 21 November 2024)

Lianhe Zaobao coverage of NTUC First Campus’s My First Skool (ZB print – 22 November 2024)