Intergenerational Skill-Sharing and Cultural Exchange at Cross-Culture Hub
At Cross-Culture Hub CIC, we run intergenerational skill-sharing projects that bring people of all ages and backgrounds together through learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone has something valuable to share, no matter their age or background.
Learning Across Generations and Cultures
One of our most inspiring collaborations has been with the University of Southampton. In this partnership, older members of our community learned essential digital skills, while university students learned a traditional Punjabi song. The students later performed this song at a university event celebrating music and culture.
The exchange did not stop there. Participants shared songs in Punjabi, English, Chinese and Māori, creating a joyful and vibrant experience that celebrated diversity and mutual respect. This project clearly showed the power of cross-cultural learning, where everyone is both a teacher and a learner.
We are pleased to continue our partnership with the University of Southampton to help our members gain confidence in digital skills, while supporting students to understand and appreciate values from different cultures.
Sewing, Creativity and Confidence
Our projects also bring children together with our sewing group, creating meaningful connections across generations. Children learn practical skills such as sewing buttons, making pockets and knitting winter hats. In return, they share their own talents through arts and crafts activities.
These sessions help build confidence, creativity and friendships, while making participants feel included and part of the wider community. The shared learning environment encourages understanding, patience and respect between generations.
Skill Swap Session with Highfield Primary School
We were honoured to be selected by the Children’s Mayor of Southampton, Zeyno Arabaci, to take part in a Skill Swap Session at Highfield Church of England Primary School on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
Intergenerational skill sharing is at the heart of Cross-Culture Hub, and this session was a wonderful opportunity to connect with children through hands-on activities and creativity. Our sewing group taught practical skills, including sewing a button, sewing a pocket onto an apron using a sewing machine and making winter hats with a circular knitting machine.
We also learned from the children, who proudly shared their talents through making beaded wristbands, origami, drawing and other arts and crafts activities. It was a truly two-way learning experience.
Our Thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sarah Jane Slark, Inclusion, Diversity and Participation Lead at Southampton City Council, for her dedication and support, along with her colleagues.
We are also deeply grateful to The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie, for taking a special interest in the project and for joining us in person throughout the session.
Looking Ahead
We are proud to have the support of the Children’s Mayor of Southampton and local leaders for our Intergenerational Skill-Sharing and Cultural Exchange activities. We will continue to create opportunities for people of all ages to build confidence, share skills and form meaningful connections within our community.
