he Saint John Newcomers Centre and the Rothesay Hive have been collaborating on the Future Engage program for the past two years. This program aims to foster connections between youth and seniors, allowing them to share their cultures, learn from each other, and socially connect in a safe and healthy environment.
Hiba Hachicha, Settlement Advisor at the Saint John Newcomers Centre, has been coordinating the project with the support of the Rothesay Hive management. Weekly games, yoga, storytelling, art and craft activities have been organized, attracting enthusiastic participation from youth at Rothesay High School.
The partnership between the Saint John Newcomers Centre and Rothesay has had a positive impact on the town. It has revitalized the demographic and contributed to an upswing in social life among residents. Newcomers to the town have been introduced to its facilities and amenities, enriching the overall community experience.
Nancy Grant, the Mayor of Rothesay, expressed her thoughts on the collaboration, stating, ” So, the Rothesay Hive has an age-friendly space for our community, but along the way, we began to wonder if newcomers would enter into space too, and that has happened. We are delighted to see that newcomers are coming up, and other things are coming up.” This demonstrates the positive reception and support from local authorities.
Additionally, Wayne Long, MP, has expressed the City’s willingness to continue supporting these programs and activities, highlighting the importance of their impact: “You know the program that’s offered here in Rothesay at the Hive is a transformational program. I mean you can just look around and see you know seniors here, people around tables, you know fellowship, communication, talking and you know you’re growing and that’s what these programs are all about.”
Program Details:
The Future Engage program takes place every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Rothesay Hive, located at 70 Hampton Rd, Rothesay. The activities coordinated by the Saint John Newcomers Centre are funded by City allocated funds, ensuring the sustainability of the program.
Programs like Future Engage, led by the Saint John Newcomers Centre, exemplify the benefits of multiculturalism and the value of newcomers in enhancing the quality of life in various cities and provinces across Canada. By linking older adults with youth, both age groups can benefit from the opportunity to learn new skills, gain a sense of purpose, and reduce isolation. The collaboration between the Saint John Newcomers Centre and Rothesay has successfully connected generations, fostered cultural exchange, and contributed to the social fabric of the community.
Through continued support and participation, programs like Future Engage can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and the overall community.
