Project Connect
Se rassembler, se rapprocher
Project Connect will give English-speaking youth in three regions of Québec (Gaspésie, the Laurentians, and the Eastern Townships) the opportunity to lead two in-person community events in French for both English- and French-speaking youth. The first, small-scale event invites young people to come together and take part in a creative activity while practising their French. The second, larger event, the Human Library, invites them to listen to the life stories of other young people in their community and engage in linguistic exchange.
Project Connect aims to bring young people together to build confidence in speaking French and strengthen their sense of belonging to their community. Reaching 50 youth (ages 14–30) per region, the events will foster connections between English- and French-speaking youth. Y4Y also envisions participants developing closer ties with local organizations, inspiring them to create future bicultural exchange events for their peers.
This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Réseau dialogue through the VIF Program, with the financial support of the Government of Canada.
In Partnership with
The Human Library, adapted from the Human Library Project that first appeared in Denmark in 2000, marks Y4Y’s second time hosting such an event after the successful Meet Your Neighbour project in 2022–23.
The Human Library invites youth participants to choose and read a “Human Book”, a person who “opens up” and shares an important personal life experience or unique story about themselves to a “Reader”. It encourages youth to connect with people in their community through intimate storytelling, active listening and open dialogue. Readers will engage with Human Books in small groups and will be encouraged to listen and ask questions in order to understand the Human Books’ unique, personal life experiences.
Over the course of the event, Human Books will be expected to tell their story at least 3 times to different groups of Readers.
Our Human Library will focus on sharing stories under the theme of identity, language and belonging.
What is a Human Library?
Check out this video from Meet Your Neighbour, which brought together English- and French-speaking participants across Sherbrooke, Québec City, and Montréal.
Through shared stories and meaningful conversations, the project fostered understanding, celebrated diversity, and strengthened connections between communities.
Do you have a story to share?
Do you live in Eastern Townships, Gaspésie, or the Laurentians?
Become a Human Book!
All Human Books must be willing to share their stories exclusively in French, since Project Connect aims to help both Books and Readers practise and strengthen their French-as-a-second-language skills. As a Human Book, you will “open up” and share a meaningful personal life experience or a unique story about yourself as part of Project Connect. Professional storytelling training will be offered to help you share your story with confidence and impact. Participants will be able to explore their local Human Library and listen to stories from people in their own community. If you have a story connected to themes of belonging, language, or identity, consider applying to become a Human Book in your region! We encourage stories from individuals who reflect the rich diversity of Québec’s population.
Open to people of all ages and linguistic backgrounds who are comfortable sharing their experiences in French.
Take a look at the photos from our previous events!
Meet the Team
Freya Wilson
Project Coordinator
Growing up in London, Freya graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a honours degree in French and History, specifically centred around interdisciplinary research on gender, sex and sexuality. Outside of her studies, she loved getting involved in student societies, charity fundraising and volunteering, including working on projects that promoted learning French as a second language. As the former President of the University of Edinburgh’s French-language theatre society, Les Escogriffes, Freya is passionate about the importance of creativity and collaboration when learning and developing new skills. Excited about her next chapter in life here in Montréal, Freya hopes to continue to inspire English-speaking people in their French-learning journey.
Xavier F.
Youth Ambassador in Eastern Townships
Xavier has deep familial connections to the Townships and has lived there most of his life. He is currently studying liberal arts at the Lennoxville campus of Champlain Regional College. Outside of academics, he is heavily involved in the community, volunteering for Scouts Canada at the provincial level, and supporting local organisations such as the library. His work in scouting has taught him the importance of bilingualism and the spirit of cooperation, he has worked with people of all ages and from every province. Xavier is excited to have the opportunity to work with the anglophone community.
Èvelyne
Youth Ambassador in Eastern Townships
Hi my name is Evelyne, and I am an alumni from Bishop's University! As a native French speaker who studied in an anglophone institution, I love sharing my language with others and learning about Québec's rich cultural diversity! With a background in business, teaching, and the arts, I am really looking forward to taking part in the Project Connect, and contribute to a meaningful youth-centered project that foster learning and inclusion for the Eastern Townships region!
Mikayla Messercola
Youth Ambassador in the Laurentians
Mikayla is a student at Concordia University pursuing a degree in Education, with aspirations to become a speech therapist or teacher. Having worked in several schools across Québec, Mikayla has developed a deep understanding of the importance of accessible education and inclusive communication. Her experiences have inspired her to support initiatives that empower English-speaking youth and promote opportunities for connection and growth within their communities. She is passionate about Y4Y Québec’s mission to amplify young voices and create meaningful change across the province. Through her role as an ambassador, Mikayla hopes to help bridge communities and foster a sense of belonging among English-speaking youth in Québec.
Binal Taheem
Youth Ambassador in the Laurentians
Hi, I'm Binal, one of the ambassadors for Project Connect. I grew up in a French-speaking environment, and I want to help English speakers feel more comfortable with their French.
MaelSir
Youth Ambassador in Gaspésie
MaelSir is a bilingual slam poetry artist with close to 15 years of experience as a master of ceremonies, coach and performer, from Toronto to Moncton and even all the way to Paris and Dakar. Proud to participate twice in the CreateSpace Public Art Forum, he also recently realised his first movie: Slambahia, finalist for the pan-canadian contest “La Course des Régions”.
Youth Advisory Committee Members
Coming Soon!