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Léa-Mai Simard

Lavaltrie, QC

At the intersection of Léa-Mai 's fascination for social innovation projects and her passion for the health sciences lies a deep desire to contribute to improving the quality of life of people whose needs are not yet being met. She was fortunate to develop her passion for community initiatives through past involvement in a youth cooperative. Léa-Mai was honoured to have the privilege of continuing to grow as an active member of her community through the Sprout Ideas Fellowship program.

Combating the stigma of dementia: raising awareness through intergenerational activities

"Combating the Stigma of Dementia: Raising Awareness through Intergenerational Activities" is a project that aims to help primary school-aged children better understand and become less fearful of contact with people with dementia in their community. Dementia is a growing problem as the population ages. This project relies on the strength of communities to address some of the challenges faced by people vulnerable to dementia.

About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

  • At risk youth & children
  • Senior citizens
  • Vulnerable individuals (e.g. those experiencing addiction, abuse)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

  • SDG 4: Quality education
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
  • SDG 3: Good health and Well-being

How the project works

This project includs a classroom visit to help children learn about dementia educationally. Once better equipped, the children will then spend some quality time with seniors suffering from dementia through intergenerational activities.

Project Impact

One aim of this project was to bring companionship to seniors suffering from dementia. In addition, children, as the other party involved, can unfortunately be left to fend for themselves when dementia affects someone close to them. This project provided them with information to destigmatize this syndrome.

Project Mission

The project is motivated by the hope that raising young people's awareness will help shape their understanding of dementia, so that they are better equipped to take an empathetic approach when interacting with different people with this syndrome.

Project Team

The team is comprised of students motivated to create change.