GrandPals

GrandPals is a school based intergenerational and curriculum integrated project that involves partnering older adults with elementary aged students (Grade 5 +) for shared learning, storytelling and friendship. Older adults interested in volunteering in the program join an orientation to become GrandPals and then meet with their assigned classroom every week for 8 or more sessions of guided conversations. Over the course of these sessions and periods of in-class work, students are tasked with discovering, capturing and sharing a story from their GrandPal’s life. This draws on all strands of the language curriculum and various learning skills. The project culminates with a celebration, where students present their work to the GrandPals and wider community.

The GrandPals National Program is managed by the Center for Studies in Aging and Health (CSAH) at Providence Care. CSAH collaborates with community-based organizations to establish and implement the GrandPals program at a local level.

Join us to make a difference in a child’s life.

St. Edward’s School Grade 6, 7, and 8 class is eager to participate, and we are excited to begin this meaningful program. We will start with a Senior Grandpals Orientation in March, consisting of three sessions. Following the orientation, the Grandpals program will take place at the school every Wednesday from March 25 to May 27, for 1.5 hours each week.

We are currently looking for 2 to 4 additional Grandpals to take part in this upcoming program.