Understanding through Conversation: Seniors and Youth Learning from One Another

martin_tan_marThis is a  new program offered  at no cost to schools. It will give students  volunteer hours as they learn practical conversation skills.  This is a unique, valuable opportunity for students to become active members of an intergenerational project designed to improve critical thinking, conversation skills, empathy, and self awareness. It will improve and reinforce  their social skills, personal responsibility and comfort level in speaking with strangers in structured and social situations.

Technology over the last 25 years has ambushed authentic conversation.This project will involve two sectors of our society that are often overlooked, or left out, and usually disconnected — high school students  and seniors.  All participants will be introduced to new conversation skills that have been developed and implemented by Conversation Works.ca.

In May we are looking to give at least one presentation to a group of students in each high school that may like to learn these new skills, and some of whom may wish to apply to be a member of a group of 12 students for this Fall activity. They will be given a number of structured and informal interview and conversation experiences. During the three sessions they will gain deep insights into their own and each others’ lives, dreams and aspirations.