CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE FRANCO-NORD
Youth and Seniors Connect Through Reading: New Francophone Project Launches in North Bay

Parents partenaires en éducation (PPE), in partnership with Association Lire et faire lire Ontario (ALFLO) and Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, is pleased to announce the launch of "Francophone Stories Come Alive: Grandparent Readers in Action," a new initiative that harnesses the power of reading to bring generations together while strengthening the vitality of the Francophone community in the North Bay region. 

This initiative is made possible through financial support from the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, under the 2026-2027 Seniors Community Grant Program. 

Inspired by the Lire et faire lire program, the project will provide specialized training to fifteen volunteers aged 50 and over from the North Bay area, enabling them to lead reading activities in Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord's Saint-Vincent, Saints-Anges, and Saint-Raymond Catholic elementary schools. 

While highlighting the valuable contribution of grandparents, the project seeks to engage all Francophone seniors who wish to share their love of reading and contribute to the success of the next generation. 

During regular reading sessions, volunteers will share with students their enjoyment of books, life experience, and passion for the French language. The initiative will help foster a love of reading among young learners, create meaningful intergenerational connections, and support  

the transmission of Francophone language and culture. It will also contribute to the development of essential values such as empathy, active listening, and respect for others. Volunteer recruitment and training will take place in October and November 2026, with the project officially launching in January 2027. 

"Every story shared is an opportunity to build a connection, spark children's imagination, and keep the French language thriving. Through this project, we want to celebrate the contribution of grandparents and recognize their essential role in transmitting our culture and supporting the growth and well-being of our youth," said Julie Béchard, Executive Director of Parents partenaires en éducation. 

"We are delighted to partner with PPE to bring the Lire et faire lire program to North Bay. The program enables senior volunteers to lead short reading sessions with young students at their schools, fostering both a love of reading and meaningful discussions about books. Our goal is to strengthen intergenerational ties and promote the French language throughout the community," said Claude Gagné, Executive Director of Association Lire et faire lire Ontario. 

"This initiative fully reflects our commitment to shaping citizens who are open to others, committed to making a positive contribution to society, and proud of their linguistic and cultural heritage. By encouraging exchanges between students and community members, it helps instill values of kindness, generosity, and social responsibility that are at the heart of our mission," said Tina Legault-Ouellet, Director of Education for Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord. 

A Project Powered by Collaboration 

The success of this initiative relies on close collaboration among the three partner organizations. 

Association Lire et faire lire Ontario will develop and deliver in-person training for the fifteen volunteer readers in North Bay. The organization will also provide PPE with educational tools and resources to support volunteers throughout their involvement in the three participating schools. 

In addition, ALFLO will offer guidance and expertise to PPE regarding program implementation, the preparation of the official launch, and project evaluation. 

Parents partenaires en éducation will oversee the project's overall coordination. This includes volunteer recruitment in collaboration with project partners, managing relationships among schools, volunteers, and community organizations, and coordinating the logistics for training and the official launch event, which is scheduled to take place at the North Bay Public Library. 

Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord will work closely with PPE and ALFLO to facilitate implementation in the three participating schools and support collaboration with school teams.