The Sustainable Community Aid Network (SCAN) hosted its Train-the-Trainer Program through two sessions on June 13th and July 18th, 2024. This program was partly funded by the (ESDC). This program was centered around equipping senior citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach their peers about natural remedies. The initiative, part of the Sustainability on My Mind – Seniors Edition Initiative, aims to empower seniors in the low-income neighborhood of Malton, Mississauga, to become educators and advocates for holistic health within their communities. Throughout the program, the benefits of herbal remedies such as herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and homeopathic treatments, were highlighted for senior citizens
The “Sustainability on My Mind – Senior Edition” project aligns with NHSP objectives by empowering seniors to actively participate in their health and community through a train-the-trainer approach focused on natural health remedies. This model allowed the seniors in the Malton community, including those in care homes, to both learn and teach remedies from their cultural backgrounds, fostering social engagement, diversity, mental health, and self-sufficiency.
Through the train-the-trainer model, selected senior participants became subject matter experts, ready to share their knowledge with peers. This approach not only strengthens community connections but also ensures the ongoing transfer of valuable knowledge about natural remedies.
The project provided materials and accessible instructions, enabling seniors to transform the natural remedies they use at home into replicable recipes that can be shared with their peers. This process empowers them to pass on valuable knowledge, ensuring that traditional remedies are preserved and shared within the community, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.
Preliminary Meetings
In preparation for the formal program sessions, two introductory meetings were held:
- First Meeting (May 9, 2024): Participants gathered to share their unique homemade natural remedies and discuss the benefits of each. This allowed the group to establish a sense of camaraderie and identify their areas of expertise and interest.
- Second Meeting (May 31, 2024): Participants finalized their remedies and were each assigned as instructors for one of the seven categories:
- Boosting Immunity (flu, cold, cough, itchy throat, inflammation)
- Cancer Wellness
- Skin & Hair Health
- Aches and Pains
- Cysts and Boils
- Bee Stings/Insect Bites
- Heart Health, Nutrition, and Metabolism
These preliminary meetings laid a strong foundation for the formal sessions, ensuring each participant felt prepared and confident in their role.
Program Sessions
First Session (June 13, 2024):
The first official session introduced the Train-the-Trainer Program and provided an overview of SCAN’s goals. Participants learned that the program was designed to empower them as instructors, providing the skills and confidence necessary to share their knowledge of natural remedies with peers. The session also clarified how participants would be evaluated on their engagement, participation, and teaching proficiency.
Second Session (July 18, 2024):
The second session was focused on practical application. Each participant actively demonstrated how to prepare their natural remedies, practicing their presentations among their peers. This allowed participants to become more comfortable with public speaking and the teaching process, ensuring they were ready to lead their own workshops confidently. The session was interactive, giving everyone the chance to refine their techniques and receive feedback.
Program Outcomes
The Train-the-Trainer Program achieved its goals by fostering a collaborative learning environment where participants gained the confidence and skills needed to become effective educators. The interactive nature of the second session, where participants practiced their presentations, was especially impactful in enhancing their teaching abilities. The following outcomes were observed:
- Increased Confidence: Participants felt more comfortable and capable of presenting their remedies after the practice sessions, as demonstrated by their improved delivery during the second session.
- Enhanced Knowledge: Each participant developed a deeper understanding of their specific remedy, including its preparation and health benefits.
- Community Impact: Participants are now prepared to lead their own workshops, spreading awareness of holistic health practices throughout the Malton community.
- Sense of Belonging: The session has fostered a deep sense of belonging among participants, and in recognition of their wisdom and contributions, we’ve chosen to lovingly refer to them as “Wise Hearts” instead of seniors going forward.
Future Workshops
Looking ahead, a series of workshops will take place from Fall 2024 to December 2024, during which each participant will facilitate their own individual workshop based on their chosen natural remedy. The instructors and associated workshops that will be covered are as follow:
- Angie Munnick – Heart Health, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- Bibi Khan – Cancer Wellness
- Annie Sahai – Cysts and Boils
- Sandra Maharaj – Aches and Pains
- Kathleen Mcdermott – Boosting Immunity
- Vinda Whitter – Skin and Hair Health
- Alejandra Anand – Bee Stings and Insect Bites
These workshops will further SCAN’s mission to promote holistic health and sustainability within the senior community.
Conclusion
The feedback recieved from the participants’ evaluations demonstrated how this program was a resounding success, with participants gaining both knowledge and confidence to share their natural remedies with others. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Angie Munnick, who played a key role in preparing for the sessions, the program operated smoothly and achieved a positive outcome.
The Sustainability on My Mind Workshop Series has been supported by the Community Foundations of Canada, the Community Foundation of Mississauga, and now by the ESDC, will continue to expand its reach. For more information about the upcoming workshops, visit SCAN’s website, follow their social media channels, or contact info@s-can.org or 1800 687 1351 for details.
