CONNECTING YOUTH AND SENIORS

Since September 2015, the students of École Henri-Bergeron immersion school have been paying monthly visits to the Actionmarguerite residence. During those visits, groups of students from grades 4 to 8 interact with the residents through games organized by the recreation centre team. Therapeutic recreation worker Penny Seier can see the enjoyment of the participating residents. "When asked, they say it makes them feel happy. They are pleased to know that the students have come to play with them." The activity also has an impact on residents’ health. "The interactions encouraged by this program give them memories. They can also socialize in French with the other residents. For the program's therapeutic aspect, we put on background music. We get the students dancing, to the delight of our residents." For Marguerite Dubé, Student Services Director at École Henri-Bergeron, this activity is "important for raising youth awareness. They don’t always have time to be with their grandparents. Through this activity, they see how you can have fun with elderly people, and it gives them a new appreciation." Once a month, Jeremy Ritchot, a grade 4 teacher at Henri-Bergeron school, accompanies the groups visiting the Centre’s residents. "Every month, we rotate students who come to Actionmarguerite. This allows the younger students to see what's involved, and the older ones to see potential career opportunities." The teacher believes that the "residents love to see young people involved in their lives, and they become engaged. I always see an immediate positive change. It’s wonderful. It helps build a feeling of community. That's our goal with this program, which is organized as part of our community day. We want the students to become aware of and engage with people who are different. We also want to develop civic awareness and empathy, and promote community values. It’s easy to forget that these people exist." Grade 8 student Kali Chartrand enjoyed her visit to the Centre. "This is my first time at Actionmarguerite. I think it’s good for the residents to have young people come to play and do activities with them. They aren't alone. I am very happy because everyone has fun. I like to see that, and I think I'll come back."

Une fois par mois, les élèves de l’École Henri-Bergeron rendent visite aux résidents d’Actionmarguerite et jouent avec eux. Once a month, the students of École Henri-Bergeron visit the Actionmarguerite residents and play with them.