Seeds of Change

The Seeds of Change programme aims to reimagine Active Ageing Centres (AACs) as vibrant, sustainable community hubs. The initiative transforms AACs into sustainable cafes, fully run and managed by seniors, with surrounding spaces converted into community urban farms for seniors to work on growing fresh produce for the cafe. Integrated within the cafe would be thrift shops and fabric upcycling projects that will be offered to seniors as well.

These initiatives are designed to spark intergenerational engagement. Seniors can lead farm tours or conduct gardening and cooking classes for students, corporate volunteers and the wider community. They can also guide younger participants in upcycling workshops and invite their families to join in on the thrift experiences.

Our Solution: AACs as Sustainability Themed Centres  

1. Farm to Fork Programme‍

This workshop will focus on upskilling seniors on urban farming and helping the seniors to build their urban farm.

The workshops will help to guide seniors to hone their skills in setting up and maintaining the farm. Seniors will also learn how to do farm tours and impart the skillsets to others

Following the workshop, seniors will continue cultivating herbs, tea leaves, and other plants to support a meaningful Farm to Fork concept within the Active Ageing Centre.

The programme may also include various cooking programmes such as fermentation classes, tea production—activities that will equip seniors with the skillsets to  develop a sustainable AAC cafe run by seniors for the community.

The urban farm and AAC cafe will then be opened to the surrounding community, inviting residents to volunteer and engage with the space through gardening or café activities. Over time, AACs can evolve into vibrant community hubs -hosting food and produce giveaways, collaborative food drives, and programmes supported by local partners to complement the garden’s harvest and broaden its social impact and reach.

2. Sustainable Thrift Shop  ‍

EB Impact will be working with sector partners to set up Open Wardrobes at AACs, featuring thrift items for seniors and the wider community to engage with on a regular basis. A collection point will be established, and a pool of senior volunteers will be formed to manage the sorting, display, and sale of donated items.

Beyond promoting circularity and conscious consumption, the Open Wardrobe initiative encourages intergenerational bonding. Seniors can bring their children or grandchildren to browse the collection together, creating opportunities for connection while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive community space.

In collaboration with sustainability partners such as Cloop and Commenhers, seniors will be trained to support real-world projects that give textiles a second life.

This will be done through on-job training via projects assigned, and seniors will be provided a small fee for their work.

This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also provides seniors with a continued sense of purpose, creativity, and community engagement.

As part of the programme, seniors will also have the opportunity to share their skills and guide others, such as students or corporate volunteers, in meaningful upcycling projects. These intergenerational sessions will promote knowledge-sharing, creativity, and collaboration across age groups.

By leading these activities, seniors gain a renewed sense of agency and purpose, positioning them not just as participants, but as active contributors to sustainability efforts within their communities.

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