Chapter One: Background of the Study

This chapter will summarize basic information about Project L.O.V.E. including the history and goals of the organization, and a brief review of its scope and structure. The research questions are presented, as well as the methodology used to explore those questions.

Background on Project L.O.V.E.

History of Project L.O.V.E.

For over ten years, Project L.O.V.E. (Let Older Volunteers Educate) has brought together senior volunteers and elementary grade students in Prince Edward Island schools for the purpose of reading books and enjoying a shared literacy experience. Started in 1993, Project L.O.V.E. has grown to include over 230 senior volunteers working with more than 800 students in 34 elementary schools across the province, an indication that the original “great idea” has become an established and valued intergenerational literacy program.

Goals of Project L.O.V.E.

The mission of Project L.O.V.E. has been:

• to provide students and teachers with a positive role model of older persons, thus encouraging a change of attitudes towards aging;
• to develop opportunities for older persons to do volunteer work with students in a meaningful way; and
• to facilitate intergenerational activities.

To accomplish these goals, volunteers spend on average one to three hours per week, reading one-to-one with children who are struggling and with children who are successful readers.

Scope and Structure of Project L.O.V.E.

Project L.O.V.E. Board. Project L.O.V.E. is governed by a Board made up of current and former volunteers. The Executive of the Board includes a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer and nine additional members. In addition, it also includes a Department of Education Representative and another from the PEI Literacy Alliance. The Board meets monthly to monitor business and current or up-coming projects. Meetings are open to all volunteers.