The intergenerational center of St Jean d’Angely was inaugurated on Friday, January 16, in Nice by Christian Estrosi, the city’s mayor. This project consists of three structures: a nursery, a home for the elderly, and a social housing residence. It is one of the major developments that took place during the 2008-2014 term.
From the outset, the project aimed to create a place that promotes intergenerational connections, exchanges, and solidarity. As such, it includes a residence with 29 social housing units, a residence with 71 units for the elderly, a child care establishment with a capacity of 40 places, a multi-purpose activity room, and a parking lot.
“It is an original and human place. From the start, our goal was to connect children with seniors. Often, the elderly suffer from loneliness. It is pleasing to see them share activities and games with the children,” explains Françoise Monier, Deputy Mayor for family policy, early childhood, and youth.
Music runs through the halls, with dance, activities, and ball games creating the atmosphere that prevails in the home once you pass the door.
“Through simple activities, like singing or dancing, a connection is created between people of different generations. This is the basis of respect, good manners, and kindness. We often hear that French society is becoming increasingly individualistic; if we don’t learn to share, respect, and live together, how can we change this observation?” questions Françoise Monier.
“With this project, we have a nursery that is not closed. It is open to the city and to life.”
“We are both the first city in France with a high birth rate and the first city in France with a strong presence of seniors. We must turn this into a wealth,” declares the Deputy Mayor for family policy.
For Christian Estrosi, “this place hosts a wonderful intergenerational diversity. Bringing different generations together allows for the transmission of knowledge and experiences, encourages mutual respect, and prevents the isolation of the elderly. It also allows for the sharing of fun and festive moments.”
Together with Françoise Monier, the mayor of Nice expressed his commitment to catching up by delivering quality facilities for children’s care.
“When the construction of social housing is proposed in a neighborhood, it is met with refusal. I want to show that what we are doing with Dominique Estrosi-Sassone can overturn preconceived ideas. With this project, we are witnessing a new generation of social housing,” announced the mayor of Nice.
