Take on the Chain of Life Challenge at mont Habitant!

Hi,
My name is Dora Aczél Bastien and I teach English in Sec IV and V in the international program at the Polyvalente Saint-Jérôme in the beautiful Laurentides region. Since 2014, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching the Chain of Life Program and, without hesitation, it is my favourite project. Why? Because it’s one of the rare times when school touches something essential. Students feel that they can really make a difference. It awakens in them something profoundly human and empathetic. And, in today’s world, that is precious.

This program makes learning concrete and is rooted in real life. We talk about donation, choices and meaning. Each year, as part of the international program, over 120 Sec IV students climb Mont Tremblant. For them, this unique opportunity makes the metaphor between the mountain and organ donation real, and it’s a challenge that many shall never forget.

It’s also something students really take to heart. Last year, they organized a talent show to raise money so that the next cohort can live the same experience. Others create videos to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation or share their reflections in class or at home. At parent-teacher meetings, several parents talk about how their kids make them think, how they inspire conversations that they themselves had often been putting off. That’s the beauty of this program; it informs, it sparks discussions, it brings people together. I remember a 16-year-old student who was very overwhelmed after the conference we organize every year with families of organ donors, families of organ recipients and persons who had received a transplant. It was a true, pure reaction. A moment of humanity that will always stay with me.

This year, I have the great honour of being the flag bearer representing my region. As teachers, we are an important link in the chain of life. This role touches me profoundly: it embodies everything I believe about the power of education and the impact we can have. I believe deeply in our young people. I believe in their ability to change things. And I believe that by giving them the tools to understand, feel and act, we build a more informed, supportive and socially engaged society.

Dora Aczél Bastien
Proud Chain of Life teacher
Flag bearer - Laurentides Region

Hi,
My name is Tollof Nelson, and I teach English as a Second Language (ESL), Enriched English (EESL), and English Language Arts (ELA) at the senior secondary level at Académie Ste-Thérèse, in the Lower Laurentians region.

Since 2014, I have been using the learning and evaluation situation (LES) created by Chain of Life, because it nurtures my students’ civic and engaged spirit. This sequence of activities encourages them to become informed, to raise their awareness, and to get involved in a profoundly human movement.

Whether it’s icebreaker activities, role plays, debates, quizzes to debunk myths about organ and tissue donation, video testimonials from donors and recipients, inspiring texts about the value of a healthy body, or bioethical reflections, the teaching material is varied, stimulating, and meaningful. The website is also full of extremely interesting complementary resources.

As a teacher, I see how well this LES aligns with the objectives of the Québec Education Program (QEP), while remaining easily adaptable to different levels of English.

The multiplying effect of this program on the issue is immense. Students become true ambassadors of family discussion: they are able to share accurate information, form and defend their opinion, and address a delicate subject with diplomacy. Each year, more than 120 students become change agents in their communities, and many share moving stories of family conversations with me. In doing so, they contribute to building a more informed, altruistic, and healthy society.

This year, I have the great honor of being a flag-bearer for the Laurentians region. Teachers are essential links in the chain of life: they help make a complex and authentic situation understandable, inspire commitment and solidarity, and propel the movement forward.

I invite you to climb by my side or support my team (Les Faucons).

Together, let’s carry this message to the top of our mountain!

Tollof Nelson
Proud Chain of Life teacher
Flag bearer – Laurentides region

Coming soon