- ATD Fourth World

"I feel very privileged." In November 2005, in Pierrelaye (France), during the “Assises” of ATD Fourth World, Réjeanne Pagé felt very honored to be able to add her contribution as a supporter at this international gathering. She was also very proud, along with Colynette Coutu, to have been sent as a delegate representing Canada. “It warms my heart to know that everyone in the group was unanimous in proposing my name.” Pride, it’s certainly the word that most inspired her in the message of ATD Fourth World. During October 17, 1994, the local team, which would later take the name Solidarité Quart Monde-Sherbrooke, asked her to give a testimony about her unstable work experience. Réjeanne was encouraged by a sketch that was performed by young people, who drummed on cans that symbolized different prejudices (laziness, idleness…)

At this time, she tells, “I was ashamed. I didn’t like to mention my neighborhood, with its bad reputation. Our family situation was difficult; at work we were pulling the devil by the tail. I had decided to take unpaid leave to see our children grow up. I wasn’t able to collect unemployment for the second child and I had to ask for welfare. It’s prejudice to think that we are the cause of all our problems. It’s people around us that push us to think like this.”

The discovery of a place where one never feels judged has been very important to her. In Montreal, Réjeanne got to know a volunteer couple who spoke of the “courage of the poor,” who admired this courage. It was the first time she had heard such words. Little by little, since her nature leads her to listen to others, she began a commitment. She helps out by working on the computer, when there is a transcript to type or a brochure to develop that needs to be just right. When the mother of a group member died, Réjeanne was part of the delegation at the funeral and even had the group member stay at her house in the evening so that she wouldn’t be alone. She often offers her time to people who are very isolated or in an especially difficult situation, “so that they can get out what they have on their chest.” As for her husband, he’s more involved in the material side of the group. He’ll deal with logistics and planning for October 17th or other Movement events. Last year he was in charge of coordinating the erection of a monument against poverty. Recently, in Bury (about 24 miles from Sherbrooke), they were able, with the help of an inheritance, to build a house. They are both working on the final touches at their own rhythm. They are particularly happy to receive visits from members of Solidarité Quart Monde-Sherbrooke. Finally a place of their own!