Community Service
Neeje has always acknowledged the powerful teaching
value of community service and tries to incorporate it into all
its youth activities. Visits to citizens in need of company,
comfort and help in the home have been a part of Neeje's youth
programmes from day one.
The
government of Ontario has formally acknowledged the importance
of community service by making it a mandatory requirement for high-school
graduation. One initiative promoted by Valrideau as a consequence
has involved high-school girls in the Ottawa area since 2003: the "Café-rencontres
au 160 Charlotte", hosted by the Services d'entraide pour
aînés francophones d'Ottawa.
Under the guidance of university students, participating youth complete part of their mandatory community service hours by facilitating leisure activities at 160 Charlotte, a residential building for seniors around the corner from Valrideau. Seniors are invited to share coffee and treats and to socialize with the students and amongst themselves while playing games, having their Christmas gifts wrapped, etc.
Besides being a lot of fun, the programme gives seniors an opportunity to overcome isolation, while students discover the wealth hidden in the life experiences of elderly citizens and learn helpful skills such as team-work, planning, and interpersonal communication.
For information, contact Valrideau University Residence 613-789-3510