The Cafés Rencontres Project
Speak, learn, discover — one coffee at a time
Funded by the financial assistance program entitled « En français, naturellement! » from Québec’s Ministère de la Langue Française, the project began in Fall 2024 with The Cafés Rencontres Project activities, where students from Concordia University, Bishop’s University, and CÉGEP Champlain St. Lawrence practiced French in a relaxed, coffee lounge-style setting through games, conversations, and interactive activities. These sessions were designed to create a welcoming environment, encouraging participants to build confidence in their French-speaking skills while having fun.
In the beginning of 2025, the project continued within the same schools with cultural outings that immersed students in Québec’s unique heritage. These outings, conducted in French, offered participants the chance to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the language in real-world cultural settings. From exploring exhibitions to visiting historical sites, these experiences deepened their connection to Québec’s history and culture while enhancing their second-language learning journey.
The Cafés Rencontres Project provided experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, helping students grow linguistically and culturally. To support this, self-evaluation surveys were developed, allowing participants to track their progress and reflect on their learning experiences.
Funded by:
Check out the photos capturing our various activities!
Meet the Team
Project Coordinator
Arielle Rakoto Rina
(She/Her)
Project Coordinator
Born in Madagascar and raised in Montréal, Arielle embodies the spirit of adaptation. She holds a degree in Communication Studies with a specialisation in sound recording from Concordia University, complemented by a minor in Women & Gender Studies. With a passion for community engagement, music, languages, and diversity, Arielle found her calling at Y4Y, seeing it as the perfect platform to merge her interests. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments and her love for music drive her aspirations to build a career centred around both community work and music. At Y4Y, Arielle aims to use her diverse background and skills to contribute meaningfully to the community and create positive change. She is committed to making a lasting impact through her work and looks forward to connecting with individuals from all walks of life.
Student Ambassadors
Vanesca Saint-Hilaire
(She/Her)
Student Ambassador (Concordia University)
Vanesca Saint-Hilaire, born and raised on the island of Sint-Maarten, is currently pursuing her degree in Human relations with a Specialisation in Organisational Development and a minor in Immigration Studies. Her love for human interactions and personal connection to issues faced by migrants, such language barriers, inspired her to join the Y4Y family as the student ambassador for Concordia University. Through this role, Vanesca aims to help students from all backgrounds enhance their French conversational skills as well as further deepen their appreciation for the Québecois culture. Creativity, kindness and and humour are just some of the few traits that she embodies to fulfil her role as ambassador and help others reach their maximum potential.
Bon Pham
(She/Her)
Student Ambassador (CÉGEP Champlain)
Bon is a passionate volunteer, mental health first aider, and women’s empowerment advocate. Over the years, she has been involved in numerous initiatives focused on kindness and community service. As a former Wellness Liaison for Y4Y Québec, Bon had the privilege of witnessing the life-changing power of altruism and the fulfillment that comes from helping others. In her role as a Student Ambassador at Y4Y Québec, she strives to use her unique talents as a force for good, investing in others to make a positive impact in the community.
Irma Susset
(She/Her)
Student Ambassador (Bishop's University)
Irma is a dedicated student leader from Magog, Québec, currently pursuing an Honours degree in Political Studies with a minor in Communication and Digital Culture at Bishop’s University. Deeply involved in student governance and advocacy, she is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus. Her bilingual background enables her to create inclusive environments and effectively engage with English-speaking youth. A fan of cozy spaces and good coffee, Irma enjoys relaxing moments with a podcast playing in the background.