University of Victoria researcher Dr. Arlene Carson presents the findings from her study on The Meadows School Project to educators and the public on March 16.
The Meadows School Project was founded by teacher Sharon MacKenzie 10 year ago as an intergenerational immersion program to bring youth and seniors together. Each school year her Grade 5, 6, or 7 students would spend several weeks having their classes at Coldstream Meadows Retirement Community. The students spent much of their time with the residents doing social and educational activities together and many long-term friendships were created.
The Meadows School Project model of intergenerational interaction has received strong interest from communities and school districts across Canada and internationally.
In 2008, researchers from UVic and UBC-Okanagan undertook a case study of this project. The study, funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, explored the impact the project had on participants in terms of their health, education and development. Many residents, students, staff and family members took part in the study.
Dr. Arlene Carson, study research coordinator, and research associate with the Centre on Aging at UVic, will talk about the study and there will be time for questions and discussion.
There are two presentations on Wednesday: one from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coldstream Meadows Retirement Community (9104 Mackie Dr., Coldstream), and the other from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalamalka secondary school, 7900 McClounie Rd., Coldstream).
