For the third consecutive year, students at the Temiscouata Campus of Cegep de La Pocatiere in Quebec are building meaningful connections with 19 senior residents at Country Village Estates in Madawaska through an intergenerational and cross-border pen-pal project.
Coordinated by Mark Parent, English professor at Cegep de La Pocatiere, and Paula Gendreau, activity director at Country Village Estates, the project sets up the perfect setting for students and seniors to communicate, share experiences and learn about one another despite living in different communities and across an international border.
This year’s project includes the exchange of emails, providing participants with an easy and personal way to communicate throughout the project. The students and residents will also take part in two Zoom calls, giving them the opportunity to meet face-to-face virtually, put names to faces, and continue developing the relationships established through their written exchanges.
A special highlight of the project will be an in-person Christmas activity, bringing participants together to celebrate the holiday season and strengthen the friendships developed during the project.
For the students, the project provides an authentic opportunity to practice their English communication skills outside the traditional classroom. For the residents, it offers an opportunity to connect with younger people, share stories and experiences, and take part in a unique international exchange.
“Communication becomes much more meaningful when students have an opportunity to use English with real people,” Parent said. “This project allows them to develop their language skills while creating genuine connections with the residents.”
Gendreau helps coordinate the participation of the 19 residents and facilitates the activities throughout the project.
The partnership continues to demonstrate the value of intergenerational and cross-border connections. Through emails, virtual meetings, and an in-person Christmas celebration, students and seniors have multiple opportunities to learn from one another and discover the common interests and experiences that connect their communities.
The project is a reminder that meaningful friendships can begin with something as simple as an email-and can grow into conversations, shared experiences and lasting memories.
