IN any organisation, there’s a high chance that a few generations co-exist within its fold. Unfortunately, more often than not, the generational gap also creeps in as habits, beliefs and idealisms differ between the young and old. And when this happens, the gap becomes wider and wider. Clashes and differences in opinion further fuel the already strained relationships, resulting in many frustrating moments on both sides.
Acknowledging this, our school alumni decided to organise a dinner event with a view to bringing together as many generations as we could. The school, SMS Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, Kelantan is 44 years old; hence, four generations have come and gone through the same gates. Unfortunately, the gap becomes wider as each generation prefers to interact with its own, with very little opportunity to work together for the greater good.
From planning to execution, the committee was careful to include all generations. Interesting activities were planned and catered to all. Previously, such dinners were more of a quiet affair but this year, we wanted to make it more celebratory and exciting.
The event began with a grand entrance by the guests of honour — the current and former teachers — escorted by the committee members. In the background, something upbeat from the Rolling Stones blared into the night. The party atmosphere was enhanced further when confetti, popped by the committee members, rained down on the audience. Games and activities were specially designed to promote inter-generation interactions. The highlight of the night was the Lip Sync Battle among the three generations present. It sealed the evening and brought with it laughter and cheers from the crowd.
Our group Facebook page experienced heavy traffic the next day. Attendees shared their appreciations and expressed huge satisfaction about the event. Some even hinted at bigger expectations for the 45th celebration next year. We were able to attract the attention of others who didn’t care to join this year.
There are many lessons we can draw from the experience. Firstly, we could never do it alone. By engaging people from different generations, ideas became bigger and bolder. I recall the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you go together.” We chose to work together and were able to achieve the best results.
When you see three generations teasing one another and laughing together, you know the objective of the event has been achieved. But it’s far from over because there were many younger alumni members who didn’t attend. We have our work cut out to reach their hearts and convince them to be part of the bigger family.
We must work harder to attract a bigger and younger crowd next year.
But optimism runs high. Once we’re able to chip at the generational barriers, we can forge forward until all the walls come down and proceed to build that bridge that can bind us together.
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