When the foundation visits the association "Ce qui compte vraiment"

“Every Story Really Matters”: Young people take up their pens for our elders

At the beginning of 2026, we had the pleasure of visiting the Isabeau nursing home in Roubaix to interview a young person and a resident as part of the "Every Story Really Matters" project.

Enzo Lézier, a first-year student at Saint Rémi High School in Roubaix, and Jacques Van Mullen, a resident of the nursing home, were delighted to answer a few questions. Through their enthusiasm, we were able to appreciate the tangible impact of this intergenerational initiative, supported by our On Seniors' Side Foundation.

A Bridge Between Generations Through Life Stories

The project offers a unique human and editorial adventure: volunteer high school students meet with nursing home residents to collect their memories and write their life stories.

For one school year, with weekly visits, these young people act as "memory keepers" for their elders. This work of listening and writing culminates in the publication of a book, solemnly presented at the end of the year. The objective is clear: to break social isolation while restoring to seniors a central and valued place in society.

The Interview: “Much More Than a Project, a Bond of Trust”

During our meeting, Enzo and Jacques shared their experience with emotion. Here are the key points that emerged from this exchange:

An Unexpected Friendship: The visits go far beyond the scope of the school project. For Enzo, Jacques has become “a friend, a member of his family.”

Passing on knowledge: for Jacques, Enzo’s presence brings “a touch of youth” and allows him to share precious anecdotes he might not have shared otherwise.

Mutual enrichment: beyond writing the planned 90 pages, Enzo explains that he has learned a great deal about life back then and has developed a deep sense of empathy.

Trust as the watchword: when asked to define their partnership in one word, Jacques and Enzo answer in unison: “Trust”!

A Significant Impact

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the project is expanding remarkably in the Hauts-de-France region, with 80 direct beneficiaries (40 seniors and 40 high school students) spread across Roubaix, Tourcoing, Lille, and Amiens.

Nationally, 550 mentoring pairs are being formed this year, demonstrating that the need for recognition among seniors and the search for meaning among young people are major issues.