Summary
In May of 2018, the City of Waterloo, Ontario was awarded a federal grant to help pursue an inter-generational and intercultural learning program. The program, known as “Bridges” focuses on building cultural connections by inviting residents of Waterloo to experience cultural knowledge and traditions from older people who are affiliated with Waterloo’s many ethnic and immigrant communities. It also aims to empower Waterloo’s older residents as teachers, mentors, and leaders for youth.
In a typical session, an older adult from the Waterloo community is invited to share traditional knowledge (e.g. cooking or crafts) with an audience of about 30 to 40 people that range from youth to older adults. Ahead of the event, the program co-ordinators work with the older adults to identify the session theme and arrange the appropriate facilities, materials, food (if applicable) and promote the event to the community.
The City of Waterloo is among the top five destination cities in Canada for new immigrants. There is growing recognition that increasing cultural diversity lends strength and uniqueness to the fabric of a community. On the other hand, the inter-generational movement has always viewed differences between people as assets rather than as stumbling blocks, and has sought to promote interaction and collaboration between diverse segments of the population. It has grown from a desire to combat ageism and age segregation by creating programs and opportunities for interaction across generations.
Without meaningful contact with older people, children are denied crucial opportunities to learn about the history of their own communities. Similarly, older adults feel disconnected from the mainstream of society and lack opportunities to learn about new developments in cultural life. Bridging divides between generations and ethno-cultural groups opens up new possibilities for intergroup dialogue and exchange. The Bridges project helps tap into the resources of people of all ages, mobilizing the wisdom and experience of seniors and the energy of youth to meet the new challenges of culturally diverse communities.
“Bridges” is run in partnership with faculty from the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning, and community organizations such as the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership and the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre. The Bridges project supports the city’s age-friendly Waterloo multi-agency committee’s age-friendly action plan which is a baseline assessment tool of the age-friendliness of the city and a mechanism for inclusion. The committee works to ensure that residents age safely, enjoy good health and participate fully in their community.
Website: https://www.bridgeswaterloo.com/
Key facts
Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)
Other target group(s): multi-cultural seniors and youth, older vulnerable adults prone to loneliness and isolation
Sector(s): Social protection
Desired outcome for older people:
Contribute
- Ageism
- Intergenerational activities
- Inclusion