Schools
In partnership with teachers, we have strived to open students minds and broaden their view of the society they inhabit. To that end, our activities aim to expose youth to authentic and diverse cultures and communities through artistic workshops. Workshops can take place in class, at after-school/club meetings, or during pedagogical days.
PAAL views childhood as a critical period during which major social and cognitive developments occur. For that reason we offer our services to preschools, elementary schools, and high schools. We are always looking to develop critical thinking in the citizens of tomorrow.
The PAAL program complements Quebec's official teaching policies as it is signed up in the “Politique d'intégration et d'éducation interculturelle” created in 1998 by the Quebec government. PAAL workshops contribute to democratic citizen education as is proposed by the province, by encouraging students to enrich their intercultural communication skills. Our activities also respect the “Soutien à l’accueil et l’intégration des élèves issus de l’immigration” program created by the “Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement Supérieur” (MEES) which aims to help young immigrants integrate into Quebec society.
For more information please consult the catalogue below.

Broad Areas of Learning
Our workshops are based on the QEP’s “Citizenship and Community Life” broad area of learning. The overarching aim of that area of learning, as described by the MEES, is “to enable students to take part in the democratic life of the class or the school and develop an attitude of openness to the world and respect for diversity” (Quebec Education Program). Through our workshops, we encourage youth to respect and value plurality. Our work through PAAL is designed to develop competencies from the social science, ethics and religious culture, and visual arts subject areas. All PAAL workshops are designed with those specific objectives in mind. While developing participants' intellectual skills, we encourage cooperation, self-expression, and open-mindedness.
Cross-Curricular Competencies
According to the MEES, cross-curricular competencies “play a determining role in developing thinking” (Quebec Education Program). These competencies affect students across subject areas and allow them to attain their full potential through the development of cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Our workshops contribute to the development of four cross-curricular competencies as described by the MEES.
We invite you to read “Un atelier avec l'organisme PAAL pour un meilleur climat scolaire”, an article published in the second issue of the 31st volume of Vivre le primaire.