Quebec High School Intergenerational Art Project

Quebec High School (QHS) collaborated with the Jeffrey Hale Community Partners (JHCP) to develop an intergenerational art project.   QHS special needs and WOTP students traveled to JHCP where they participated in art classes for students that could not necessarily take part in a regular stream class. JHCP  had an arts expert and was willing to animate this project with the help of technicians from QHS.  At the conclusion of the art class, the QHS students met with a group of seniors associated with the JHCP to present their work and socialize in a non-school environment.

Prior to the meeting, the capacity of seniors was built to prepare them for working with a special needs population.  This project was important in strengthening the relationship with JHCP as the school is making it a priority to raise awareness of the supports special needs students require once they leave QHS at age 21. 

JHCP is very concerned about the special needs population of the Quebec City region.  Plans are already in place preparing for the various services that will be required in years to come.  It was beneficial for the partners to gauge the level of capacity needed to work with a special needs population. 

For QHS, the program provided a controlled atmosphere away from the school where the students could be placed outside their comfort zone and mix with other adults that they do not see on a daily basis at school.  The obvious benefits of students participating in an art project were observed, such as increased self-esteem.  

The resource team from the SNACS (Special Needs Activities & Community Services) program was pleasantly surprised with the positive feedback received from the students about their time spent with seniors. The JHCP found the partnership valuable in identifying and developing relationships with the clientele that they will have to provide services for after high schools years.  

The JHCP seniors did a great job in bringing out conversation with the students, which can sometimes be a challenge with special needs student clientele.  The intergeneration aspect to the project added a human aspect to our sessions.  Our students were able to showcase their artwork, which in the beginning was a challenge until some of the “ice” was broken.