Conversation Cards

Through our recently launched Sawubona Campaign, Tafta hopes to foster a culture of recognizing the value of older people as a step toward combating ageism and promoting elder rights. Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam shared that creating spaces for dialogue to address the unique issues affecting older individuals was vital in upholding older person’s rights and ensuring they are both seen and heard.

“One of the easiest ways and the first step in creating those spaces is through conversing directly with older people. Technology has pulled us away from having one-on-one interactions where we could connect on a deeper level,” said Shamam.

We hope to reignite intergenerational communication through the launch of our latest project – Tafta Conversation Cards.

“Using the cards is a light-hearted and insightful exercise that allows younger generations to engage with the elders around them; learning important aspects about that person, the life they lived and being able to catch a glimpse of the world through their eyes. There is no better way to gain advice, preserve our culture and learn our history, other than from the ‘living libraries’ that surround us daily – and in turn we get to tell our older people ‘I see you’ and ‘I value your contribution’. Within these conversations, one can gain a broad understanding of the changes that come with ageing and an awareness and reality of what it is to be 60 years and older – eliminating the stigma that leads to ageism,” explained Shamam.

Local schools, corporates and families are invited to attend interactive sessions with our residents, where the Tafta Conversation Cards will be used as starters to encourage intergenerational bonding and understanding.

“In this way, we encourage a foundation of solidarity where different generations can relate to, help and depend on one another – perpetuating a society of Ubuntu,” said Shamam.

For more information on Tafta’s Conversation Cards and the interactive sessions being hosted, contact Kemmy-Leigh Moodley on 031 332 3721 or idpr@tafta.org.za