Playmobil is more often associated with the very young rather than the elderly, but at the Playmobil Fun Park in Ħal Far, four retired gentlemen are doing their bit to keep children entertained and informed.

Carmel Cauchi, Tony Cutajar, Frank Schembri and Albert McCarthy are part of an experiment, called the Nannu Project, being undertaken at the park.

The Nannus (grandfathers), as they are collectively known, have been spending time with visiting children, engaging them through various activities including storytelling, art and crafts sessions and passing on knowledge and hands-on experience about traditional games and toys.

Mr Cauchi and Mr Cutajar are both established authors of books for children while Mr Schembri is an illustrator of children’s books. Mr McCarthy is better known for his work in the voluntary sector and as an animator.

A fifth nannu, Anthony Camilleri, one of the first to undertake the idea and lead its development, passed away recently, before he could see the project come to fruition. He is fondly remembered by the others and the park team.

All four agree they got involved because contact and interaction with children keeps them feeling alive. Mr Cauchi’s message to his contemporaries is to get involved: “Don’t die until you’re dead.”

Playmobil’s marketing manager Anna Agius believes this is a win-win situation where everybody benefits.

The elderly get the satisfaction of knowing they can still contribute to society, and feel needed and appreciated, while the children can enjoy contact with people who have a lot to offer in terms of time, knowledge and experience, all within the informal environment of the Playmobil Fun Park,” she said.