This text is part of the special International Cooperation section
While it is essential to raise awareness among young people about issues of international solidarity, cooperation and mutual aid between nations transcend ages and generations. Long ignored, retired people only aspire to build a more united world.
Founded in 1976, the Lanaudière Regional Education Committee for International Development (CREDIL) has worked for decades to forge links between communities for the common good of humanity. But it was only recently that the non-profit community organization was able to open the doors of international volunteering to retirees. In 2021, the Quebec Without Borders (QSF) program was completely overhauled to meet the changing needs of international cooperation organizations.
One of the innovations of the new program was the removal of the age limit. “Before, we targeted youth to introduce young people to international solidarity and make them vectors of change upon their return,” confides Karin Mérinat, program manager for CREDIL’s international internships and projects. But we have become aware, in recent years, that there was also a strong demand from retired people who did not really understand why it was impossible for them to participate in these projects. »
Motivated pioneers
The overhaul of Québec without borders allowed CREDIL to respond to this demand. The Lanaudière organization is the first to launch a project involving volunteers aged 55 and over as part of the QSF program. “We received around twenty applications and we selected four women who were chosen based on their interest in questions of international solidarity and their ability to adapt,” explains Karin Mérinat. “They come from social work and teaching, and they are very enthusiastic. »
Originally from the Laurentians and Lanaudière, the four pioneers aged 55 to 62 are preparing to fly to Peru to spend six weeks in Ayacucho, in the heart of the Andes. “We have been sending young volunteers to this region for 20 years, with our local partner, Hatun Sacha, who works a lot in schools,” says Karin Mérinat. This long-standing collaboration has resulted, among other things, in the establishment of a program aimed at reducing inequalities, supporting educational projects and developing agroecological production.
An intercultural experience
The retirees mandated by CREDIL were invited to continue these efforts in the municipality of Socos. The project aims to generate favorable conditions for improving the local quality of life, by working hand in hand with the majority Quechua people in the region. “They will work on environmental awareness, cultivate gardens, and create links with children and teachers through reading activities,” explains Karin Mérinat about this intercultural experience nearly 3,500 meters above sea level. altitude.
“It is above all a human experience. We must meet the needs of this community. But we also have a lot to learn on our side,” adds Suzanne Laplante, one of the four volunteers embarked on this mandate of initiation to international solidarity. The fifty-year-old from Blainville was led to apply to CREDIL, after visiting her daughter who is currently doing a master’s degree in development and international cooperation in Finland.
A big step for solidarity
“It was she who made me aware of the subject of international solidarity. I was very touched to see these young students get involved in social and environmental issues,” confides the 55-year-old retiree who was a primary school teacher for 31 years. A little less than a month before the big departure, Suzanne Laplante has already followed several online and face-to-face training courses at CREDIL to prepare for this new challenge, and to get to know the three other volunteers, Guylaine Gagnon, Lysanne Lajeunesse and Sandra Quinn.
“We were explained what international solidarity really was and we were given little homework on the Ayacucho region. We also watched videos on the projects carried out by the groups of young people before us. I can’t wait now to see if we can bring something different to our age. That’s all we hope for,” she said.
If this pilot project is successful, the operation could well be renewed by CREDIL, or give ideas to other organizations. “Young retirees are increasingly fit and want to feel more and more useful in society,” says Suzanne Laplante. “There are things to do to get involved and make things happen. Every little step is important, it’s not a drop wasted. This is what motivates me personally. »
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