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| Here is what people are saying about their intergenerational experiences: |
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“These programs have created a strong sense of community amongst the seniors and strengthened partnerships between TIGP, Toronto Community Housing, tenants and the broader community. In a time of fiscal restraint, these programs have been a godsend for those tenants who are on fixed incomes to participate freely. Simply put, these programs are vital to the overall health and well being of all who participate and only add to the richness of our community.” |
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- Mario Clementi, Community Health Promoter |
| “Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with the school children when they visited the intergenerational program in our community. I was going through a great physical and emotional recovery at the time and being with others helped me to be my old self again. I am now back nursing, providing care and companionship to seniors.” |
| - M. Stockwell |
| “Intergenerational programs are an ideal way to invite seniors to be part of the school community. Students learn about all aspects of literacy and integrate their experiences of talking, reading, writing and interviewing into the requirements of curriculum. They gain life skills through listening and digesting stories from the past, and increase their self-esteem through feeling needed and involved. There are benefits to both the seniors and students are they develop a relationship, learning from each other’s generations and cultures. |
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- Anne Ng, Teacher, Banting & Best Public School |
| “For students interested in working with seniors, a co-op placement at TIGP is the place to be. I gained more skills that I thought I would and enjoyed working with the staff and community partners. I faced challenges in learning about the business world and gained confidence through hands-on practical experiences.” |
| - Khathazile Moyo, Coop Student, Monarch Park Collegiate |
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Here is what people are saying about their Seniors in Cyberspace experiences: |
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"My reward from this program has been the chance to listen to fascinating accounts from Canadians who have experienced life. There is more appeal to learning the history and culture of this country through this program than from the dusty pages of a history book. Volunteering is indeed a mutually rewarding exchange." |
| - LiChing Ooi, Cyberspace Volunteer |
| “Our volunteer is very caring, patient and shows particular interest in teaching his resident how to see and hear news from her home country. Together they have searched maps and learned how to chat with other seniors all around the world. The resident now spends less time in her room and shares her experiences with others.” |
| - Adele Lopes, Activity Assistant, Maynard Nursing Home |
| “We have found our residents to be keen to learn technology through this program. They have gained confidence on the computer and explored topics from all around the world. We look forward to including more volunteers when we start our “Cyber Café”. |
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Shanta Chikarmane, Recreation Supervisor, |
| “One of our seniors just left for a cruise that he researched on the internet!” |
| - Susan Wong, Program Manager, Fudger House |
| “The volunteers have been invaluable to the residents and tenants that they tutor on the Internet. Many of the residents have commented on the patience and incredible knowledge of their volunteers. Our ‘students’ have learned to send emails, write letters and just get comfortable with the computers. They can communicate with loved ones who live far away and keep updated with family they would never know as well through regular mail. Without our volunteers, this technology would be passing many of them by. They provide a wonderful service and we are grateful to have them.” |
| - Cathy Longo, Volunteer Coordinator, Belmont House |
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“As a participant in the Seniors in Cyberspace program, I have found the computer search engine to be like an index for a library. My volunteer is a top programmer and helps me a great deal. The computer is very rewarding; it opens up a whole new field of limitless possibilities. It allows me to feel that I can do anything, opening up a new horizon as it gives me information on any subject.” |
| - John, Resident, Castleview Wychwood Towers |
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“I don’t know how to read or write but my volunteer is very supportive and a good teacher. I’ve never used a computer before and I was very interested but extremely nervous. My volunteer is really nice and she understands me. She is a good teacher.” |
| - Judy, Resident, Castleview Wychwood Towers |