Are you passionate about helping those in your community? Helping to create meaningful memories? Are you interested in developing skills in journalism, storytelling, video production and/or working with people living with dementia. The library has developed a new “Stories of Hope” digital literacy skills program where you will foster your skillset and help foster inclusion in Markham.
What Skills Will I Learn
Over a three-week period, you will learn how to facilitate interviews, tips and techniques for using video recording equipment, and information about working with people living with dementia. At each session you will have an opportunity to work with other participants in practicing and developing new skills. Each session will be in person for one hour, starting on Thursday July 24th at Markham Village Library.
What is the Stories of Hope Initiative?
Stories of Hope is an opportunity for participants to conduct a short conversation (5-10 minutes) in length with a person living with dementia about their experiences. Interviews will occur in the library the week of August 18th at a time that is convenient for participants.
This initiative is important to the library as we want to provide safe and welcoming spaces for those living with dementia. This program will provide them with an opportunity to share their stories with program participants and make a lasting contribution to their community.
What is Dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, dementia is an umbrella term for series of symptoms that impair the brain’s functions and not one specific condition. There are over two dozen types of dementia.
Statistics on Dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, over 400 people daily develop dementia, or roughly 17 people an hour. It is estimated by 2030 that almost one million people in Canada could be living with dementia. The current estimate is that over 772,000 people in Canada are living with dementia.
How can I Take Part in this Program
Registration is now open for this program, sign up online.
For more information, please email mplcommunitylibrarians@markhamlibrary.ca
More Resources
Check out MPL's Dementia Care Kits.
Add a comment to: Stories of Hope – Digital Literacy Skills Program 2025