Classe à part

School is out, and the summer holidays are just around the corner for Sumaiya, Juman, Ramandeep, Paramee, Poojanee, Elisei, Berkedei and Zakaria. All are preparing for a summer of integration, after having worked hard to perfect their French.

For several of the new arrivals, living in Québec is synonymous with freedom: freedom to be, to think, and to dress as they want to. The youngsters make the most of the joys of summer, and between video games and summer camp, learn to be themselves.

Some of the "Classe à Part" youngsters and their families live a veritable rupture with their past. They have to strike a balance between the specificities of their own culture and those of life in Quebec. Through their summer activities, they learn to combine multiculturalism and joie de vivre.

The youngsters of the `Classe à Part' develop their own personalities over the summer and explore ways of asserting themselves. Through their family holidays, work or outings with friends, they search for what can define them and make them happy.

During the summer, the youngsters of the `Classe à Part' realise how important the notion of helping one another is, as part of the process of integration. Whether by asking for help or offering to help others, each tries to find their bearings.

The youngsters make the most of the last of the fine weather, before heading back to school. A visit to explore Québec City, a music camp, and a family project finally finished each provides an occasion to feel they are true Québeckers!