In 2023-2024, the Fondation de la Cité-des-Jeunes has invested $70,000 in various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of students in their school environment. This was revealed at the organization's annual general meeting, held in virtual format on Monday, September 30. 

The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors and a number of parents keen to learn more about the organization. 

“This investment, entirely dedicated to students, reflects our Foundation's commitment to promoting student retention and fostering individual success. In fact, our efforts have enabled us to reach 53% more students than last year. We're very proud of that,” said Foundation co-president Pierre Molina in his address. 

In his opinion, this success is due in part to the efforts of Director Marie-Eve Moreau, who has never given up. “She has continued to make the Foundation shine, despite the impact of the post-pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. Thanks to her leadership, our Foundation has continued to grow in a healthy way. We gained in visibility, both within the school community and with local residents. We have consolidated existing partnerships, and new key collaborators have joined us,” he added.  

More specifically, the Foundation's financial support is as follows:

- Support and awards: $11,229 for 184 students.

- School projects: $58,135 for 10 projects supported. 

The origin of the students supported is as follows: 57.2% are from Vaudreuil-Dorion, 24.6% from Saint-Lazare, 5.1% from L'Île-Perrot, 2.9% from Pincourt and 2.2% from Les Cèdres. The remaining 1.4% to 0.7% are from Les Coteaux, Rigaud, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac, Hudson, Saint-Téléesphore and Rivière-Beaudette.  

Four flagship projects 

One of last year's flagship projects was the development of the schoolyard at Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, an initiative the Foundation has been supporting for the past two years. The deployment of the Racine mural on the French language, as well as the installation of a school store (workbench), are also two initiatives that marked the Foundation's 2023-2024 year. 

Another significant project was carried out in collaboration with the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion. Its aim was to control the development of common reed (phragmites) around the Boisé de la Cité. 

“This exercise enabled our Secondary 5 biology students to immerse themselves in the study of invasive species and take concrete action. Bravo to our young people for their involvement. These initiatives have also mobilized teachers, administrators and support staff, all united for the success of these projects. These actions contribute to creating a stimulating environment for students, in keeping with our organization's mission”, he explained. 

It should also be noted that several fund-raising initiatives, which were inconclusive this year, have been postponed until next year, as they are identified as essential for students and the school community.   

Several highlights in 2023-2024 

In December 2023, the Foundation received confirmation of $17,700 for the purchase of sensory equipment for DI-TSA students. 

In January 2024, the Foundation returned to the school premises for three days a week. 

In February, $1,500 in 20 scholarships was awarded during the Journées de la persévérance scolaire. During the Semaine du Goût de Vivre, 2,600 chocolates were distributed to students to spoil them. 

In March, the Foundation made a financial contribution of $5,600 to the Racine project, created by students in the Fine Arts Program. The Franco-Bourse was also launched. 

In May, the Foundation takes part in the Cité-des-Jeunes Open House. In June, it awarded 28 scholarships for school perseverance to graduates and Citadins, for a total of $4,375. 

For 2024-2025, the Foundation plans to invest $139,130 in school projects and $17,375 in individualized support. The main projects to receive financial support will be: closing the Potager de la Cité, financing the installation of a sports field (rabaskas), supporting the Arts-Études program, visual arts section (mosaiculture), purchasing several musical instruments and refreshing science equipment. 

Last but not least, Patrick Rozon and Audrey Besner have joined the Foundation's Board of Directors for the next two years.