Week 5 - Retirement home visit

An emphasis of our director Loni the last few years has been community engagement, having the students engage with their new community in some way. This is not really a French thing, so it has taken us some time to figure it out. Last year, we visited an animal hospital/rescue operation and the city health department for animals. But we didn’t actually engage.

This year, our onsite coordinator Marie-Jo arranged for us to visit a retirement home in Guipavas, a suburb of Brest. We had an adventure getting there. But when we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. The staff gave us time to prepare and practice.

Then our students had the opportunity to have a snack with the residents. This was a really special time. Young people aren’t necessarily comfortable with the elderly, much less in another language and another culture. But our students did so well. They engaged with the residents and the residents with them. It was so cool to see, no matter what level of engagement happened.

There was a man who had to be reminded to speak in French instead of Breton. And there was the woman who couldn’t figure out the students’ accents.

Then our students performed for the residents. For us, it was a rehearsal for the family show, with an audience. The residents loved it. Their applause was enthusiastic.

The staff has asked us to come back next year. I look forward to having this extraordinary experience replicated for many groups in the future.

Marlene is kind of excited to meet the resident dog.

American smiles

Tara, Olivia and Maria with a resident

Zoe had a good conversation.

Tara receives some wise advice.

Au revoir chien!