When Villa Aulneau opened its doors 14 years ago, Sister Emma Bérard was one of the first seniors to move in. Tucked into the leafy streets of St. Boniface, this is an assisted living community where residents like Bérard truly put the emphasis on community. At this bilingual facility with a large francophone population, connection starts with language.
“I was looking for a way to volunteer while staying close to home,” explains Sister Bérard, who is now 79 and a member of the Missionary Oblate Sisters. “I had heard that some of the staff might like to learn French and as a former teacher, I thought that was a good fit. My first group of students was 14 staff members, very soon after I moved in. They really want to learn French as health care aides or kitchen staff, so they can better interact with residents.”
Another former teacher living at Villa Aulneau, Sister Aline Comeau, also volunteers her time for French language learning, but with younger generations. “There are some youth in the community who came from francophone families and wanted the chance to practice their language,” shares the 91-year-old. “So we sit together to talk. It’s been such a joy for me, to watch them learn. I’ve taught a lot of students in my life, but there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching a young person start to really flourish after working hard. That never gets old.”
While the two Sisters are supporting staff and youth, they’re also inspiring their fellow residents. Janina Reckrut came to Canada in 1959 from Poland, after having moved around often with her family during and after the Second World War. She learned her English in night classes and eventually earned degrees in Fine Arts and Education. “I used to teach some basic French to my students when I was a teacher,” she explains. “But I had lost it over time, due to lack of practice. When I moved into Villa Aulneau, there were lots of people to talk to, and the Sisters to help me relearn. It was a new chance for me!”
With the support of Sister Bérard, and with three important reference books, the Holy Bible in French, English and Polish, Reckrut has been relearning the language of Molière at the age of 87. “I’ve been learning all my life,” she says when asked about her motivation. “I’m very curious, and I want to find out things for myself, that’s how I learn best. It’s been great to be able to practice again.”
All three women laugh when they commiserate on how much teaching has changed since the height of their careers. “I still use a little workbook to help me teach the young ones,” shares Sister Comeau with a shy smile. “It’s the book that Canadian soldiers used during the war when they were stationed in France during World War II. It seems to still be doing the trick!”
While each retired teacher participates in teaching French language in their own way, they lift each other up in their work. During the interview for this article, Sister Comeau wanted to highlight Sister Bérard for her inspiration in starting a volunteer program for staff. Reckrut wanted to thank Sister Comeau for her patience and getting her started down the road back to the French language.
“It’s easy to give back with what you have,” confirms Sister Bérard. “Many of the staff I’m working with are immigrants who are trying to send their money back home to their families. They are so thankful for free support, and the residents are so happy when staff are able to talk to them in French, even a little bit. Everyone wins!”