Noor teaches color theory to seniors with dementia

Ever noticed how you can really brighten up with clothing in a cheerful color? For example, try wearing a floral dress on a rainy gray day. Or give your kitchen a new coat of paint if those bright red cabinet doors make you restless. Color theory is a subject that Noor Mejri is extremely passionate about. Weekly, she talks about it to an audience full of seniors.The foundation “Stichting Oud Geleerd Jong Gedaan (OGJG)” organizes lecture series on various topics for seniors with dementia. The lectures are always given by students. Noor is a student of applied psychology and after her internship, she chose to continue volunteering as a teacher in neighborhood and nursing homes. She chose her own topic: the influence of colors on your emotions and how to apply that knowledge in daily life. She developed the content of the four-part lecture series herself, with good guidance in shaping the lectures. “I like to keep it visual and interactive with people, use lots of photos and videos, and encourage questions.”

Beyond your own bubble

“My topic is very suitable for easily engaging in conversations with seniors. It is simply very beautiful to do and the contact with this target group also broadens my worldview again.” Giving a lecture somewhere in the Netherlands every week is quite intense. How does she combine that with her studies? Noor: “It is actually a huge enrichment for me to work with this target group, and the topic aligns very well with my education. I also see this as a useful preparation for the work I will do later when I graduate.”

Right out of the starting blocks

“The first time I had to give the course was in Haarlem and I was quite nervous. Of course, everything went wrong: there was no suitable room reserved, the technique failed, and outside the building, a tree was being cut down with a lot of noise. Still, I managed to give the lecture in a good way. Surviving that baptism of fire gave me a lot of confidence for the future. Meanwhile, I have also coached other volunteers in the development of their senior lectures, which is very enjoyable to do.”

Want to become a volunteer?

The foundation Oud Geleerd Jong Gedaan can always use new student teachers.You are developing a series of lectures (on a topic of your choice) under supervision.
Check out the possibilities within their foundation here.

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Interview: Sonja RemkesPhoto: Jackie Mulder