For the past few months, the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) recreation and healthy active living leadership class has been piloting the Building Empathy Program, which gives back to their community by planning and facilitating enriching activities for local seniors at Highland Wood Long-Term Care.
“The Building Empathy Program aims to connect students with seniors through experiential projects,” explained Trillium Lakelands District School Board experiential learning consultant and Building Empathy Program organizer, Katie Albisser. “These hands-on experiences not only build empathy and enrich students’ education, but they also significantly benefit long-term care residents. It’s a win-win, fostering meaningful intergenerational connections and even preparing students for diverse career paths.”
The program kicked off with a classroom visit to Highland Wood – a long-term care facility located beside the secondary school. Students received a tour of the facilities and a presentation that profiled the residents and the important considerations for planning activities. The facility’s life enrichment manager and physiotherapist also shared insights into their roles and the wide variety of career opportunities available in long-term care. The students were engaged, asked insightful questions, and discussed their ideas and feelings about the project.
Over the next few weeks, three different groups of students, armed with games, puzzles, and crafts, walked over to Highland Wood. These extraordinary students devoted themselves to visiting residents and engaging them in activities like bocce ball, corn hole, and rock painting. Some lucky residents even received manicures!
“It was a successful and rewarding experience. It was great to be able to do something for the seniors at Highland Wood. I think that what we did for them really helped their well-being and gave them an opportunity to socialize with younger people,” said HHSS Grade 12 student, Weston Bowker.
“We are so thankful to have been part of this trial of intergenerational programming with the HHSS students. The program was incredibly successful and we hope it can continue in future,” said Highland Wood life enrichment manager, Brittany Burton. “The residents thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students and partaking in their creative and well thought out programs. The students were a breath of fresh air within Highland Wood and the residents have already mentioned they would love them to return in future. The positive impact this program has made can be heard amongst the enthusiasm of the residents and staff at Highland Wood. Connecting students with seniors in our community has been rewarding for both populations.”
“I think it was a rewarding experience because these people have done so much for our community and have lived full lives. Hearing that they were excited for us to come was enough for the experience to be rewarding and worthwhile; giving them something to look forward to was a great experience and knowing that we could make their day,” said HHSS Grade 12 student, Stephanie Rogers.
“I learned even simple actions can have big impacts on others. I also realized that stepping outside my comfort zone, while challenging, can be very rewarding. Additionally, this experience also helped understand the specific areas I need to improve when interacting with this age group, especially in communication and patience. While I already knew this, I learnt that being a leader will always have its challenges, but being able to face them and learn from these challenges is what helps make you a better leader,” said HHSS Grade 11 student, Elizabeth Mathew.
Albisser already has plans to expand this program. “Of all of the projects I have been involved in in this role, this feels the most impactful and important. The laughs and moments we shared with the seniors will forever remind me of the importance of connecting youth and elders. I think we shouldn’t underestimate the value of multigenerational relationships and the power of community service initiatives in education.”
