Tsewang Lhadon is one team member of our Settlement Workers in School Program. During the warmer months, while schools are on break, the team organizes different outdoor activities for newcomers. This is what we call our Summer Settlement Program. Tsewang is happy to share the story of her latest visit to the ROM with a very special group of clients.

What a day!

The group met in the morning just outside St. George Station. Then they walked towards the museum, forty Seniors, all Tibetans. On arrival at the Royal Ontario Museum, Jaclyn Qua-Hiansen, the Senior Coordinator of I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility), was kind enough to welcome them at the gate.

As soon as they walked in, they started the tour with an orientation on all cultures and museums around the world. The conversation navigated the reasons why we need museums and explored which ones are similar to the ROM. Furthermore, the group had an opportunity to comment on the one and only Tibet Museum in Dharamsala, India. The discussion helped them better understand and get excited about the day that was waiting ahead.

It was an amazing experience for them. They appreciated the day very much. And Tsewang, used to working with youth for the most part of the year, also appreciated being around so many seniors. Their interest, perspectives and the wealth of life experiences they bring along was just astonishing. She is already planning another outing with them and a group of Tibetan monks.

Every year CultureLink receives 850 free passes to the ROM through the ROM Community Access Network (ROMCAN). In the spring, they provide 700 Social Prescription passes that allow staff to prescribe passes for wellness visits to the ROM. More recently, community passes have been made available, which allow clients to visit the museum with a 4-person pass. It is truly a wonderful opportunity. Thank you, ROM!