SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 / Legacy Project / When 15-year-old Shyana Srikanthalingam submitted her project proposal for the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Quest Conference, she listed her partner as Diane Ward. YRDSB asked what school Diane attends. The reply? The school of life. 76-year-old Diane is proud to be a lifelong learner. She and Shyana are learning partners on a WS YOU 177 legacy project. The title of their presentation is "Every Computer Should Come with a Grandmother." The idea is that even in a hi-tech world, generations still need and can learn from each other. To prove it, Shyana and Diane need the help of the whole community. Come out to meet them and participate in free Community Connect learning events at the WS Public Library on Saturday mornings October 10, 17, and 24, 10:30 am to 12:00 noon.
"Diane and I are different ages and come from different cultures," says Shyana. "But I've learned a lot from her. We would have never met if it wasn't for WS YOU 177. We want to bring generations and cultures together as we help other young people and adults share the fun of learning."
All you need to bring to the events is your curiosity. You'll receive a learning passport to explore cool technology (you don't need to know anything about computers – there will be learning guides available to answer questions). You can also try other creative activities, share fun and food, and celebrate community. Meet your neighbours, learn from each other. There will be translators available for people who may need some help with English.
Each person who participates will be one "leaf" on a Community Learning Tree Shyana and Diane are creating to help everyone in the community learn a little bit more about each other – where we come from and who we are. The Community Learning Tree will be posted at the WS Public Library, and on the Library website and at www.wsyou177.org.
Shyana and Diane will make their presentation at the Quest conference in November. Schools, students, parents and grandparents throughout Whitchurch-Stouffville can be part of this important community learning opportunity – a chance to inspire other communities to bring young and old together from all cultures to learn from and with each other.
"Older people can remind young people that there's a whole world out there, beyond computers and smartphones, full of love and caring," says Diane. "Technology isn't everything. You can relate to the world in other ways, through getting to know someone in person and making a difference in each other's lives and in the community."
That's exactly what WS YOU 177 is all about.
"A 7-Generation Community is one in which all ages are supported, connected, and valued," says
Susan V. Bosak, the lead educator with the Legacy Project, based in WS and part of the WS YOU 177 Collaborative. "How can we bring generations together in our schools in innovative ways to learn from each other and build a stronger community for all ages?"
WS YOU 177 is a broad-based community collaborative that includes the WS Public Library, Legacy Project, service clubs, faith-based groups, schools and seniors groups. It empowers YOU to make a difference in a big-picture context – 1 World we all share with 7 Generations that each have unique value and 7 Billion People who each have the power to make a difference.
As the Lead YOU 177 Innovator Community in Canada, WS is already inspiring other communities across the country.
Register to attend the FREE WS YOU 177 Community Connect learning events on Saturdays October 10, 17, and 24, 10:30 am to 12:00 noon at the WS Public Library, 2 Park Drive, Stouffville. All ages – children to seniors – are welcome. Register at www.wsyou177.org or call (905) 852-3777. |
