‘It really does work to address ageism’: GrandPals program looking to connect older adults with students in Barrie

GrandPals program aims to reduce ageism in Barrie  simcoe.com

‘It really does work to address ageism’: GrandPals program looking to connect older adults with students in Barrie



Article

A Program Connecting Older Adults and Students Expands into Barrie

A program that connects older adults and students is looking for volunteers as it plans to expand into Barrie.

About GrandPals

GrandPals is a program that sees older adults volunteer their time and spend eight weeks with youngsters in the classroom, sharing stories and building a rapport.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Goal 4: Quality Education
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Benefits of the Program

The GrandPals program provides several benefits:

  1. Intergenerational Connection: The program fosters meaningful connections between older adults and students, promoting understanding and empathy across generations.
  2. Knowledge Sharing: Older adults share their life experiences and wisdom with students, enhancing their learning and personal development.
  3. Reduced Inequalities: By bridging the generation gap, the program helps reduce inequalities and promotes inclusivity in education.
  4. Community Engagement: The program encourages community members to actively participate in the education of younger generations, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
Older adults and students from True North Academy in Stayner make connections through the GrandPals program
Students of True North Academy in Stayner learn from older adults in a program called GrandPals. (Photo by John Edwards/Metroland)

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering for the GrandPals program in Barrie, please visit their website here.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses a program called GrandPals, which connects older adults with students in the classroom. This program promotes good health and well-being (SDG 3) by fostering social connections and reducing feelings of isolation among older adults. It also contributes to quality education (SDG 4) by providing students with the opportunity to learn from the life experiences and stories of older adults. Additionally, the program helps to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by bridging the generation gap and promoting intergenerational understanding and empathy.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
  • SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (SDG 3.4), promoting education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles (SDG 4.7), and promoting the social inclusion of all individuals (SDG 10.2).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

  • Number of older adults volunteering their time in the GrandPals program
  • Number of students participating in the program
  • Number of weeks spent by older adults with youngsters in the classroom
  • Number of stories shared between older adults and students
  • Level of rapport built between older adults and students

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, promoting education for sustainable development, and promoting social inclusion.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. – Number of older adults volunteering their time in the GrandPals program
– Number of weeks spent by older adults with youngsters in the classroom
SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. – Number of students participating in the GrandPals program
– Number of stories shared between older adults and students
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. – Level of rapport built between older adults and students

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: simcoe.com

 

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