Take on the Chain of Life Challenge at mont Saint-Mathieu!

Hi,
My name is Maaike Hurkmans, and I teach English as a second language at École secondaire de Trois-Pistoles. I first heard about Chain of Life about 15 years ago, and I immediately took the training on this subject that I am so passionate about. From the very beginning, I was delighted by this program, created here, by education specialists and rooted in current events in Quebec. I remember that the student who had originally come up with the idea was even featured in a textbook at the time, in a chapter on teenagers who have made an impact on society. For students, knowing that it came from one of their own gives it tremendous meaning.

When I tried it in class, I was amazed by the approach: inviting young people to reflect on their own choices, to become informed in order to then inform their families, to become a link in the great chain of life. We address universal themes—life, death, mutual aid, empathy, the wonder of the human body—and all of this in a second language! These subjects, sometimes delicate, create an atmosphere of closeness and authenticity in the classroom.

I am convinced that this program should be mandatory for all Secondary IV students. They already take courses on sexuality, substance abuse prevention, or driver’s education, but the sense of invincibility remains. When we talk about organ donation, we also discuss the responsibility of taking care of one’s body, protecting it, and cherishing life. And suddenly, those other courses take on greater meaning and are taken more seriously. It is wonderful to witness this awareness taking root among young people.

I feel privileged to serve as this year’s flag bearer for our region. To be able to promote, beyond my classroom, this cause in which I deeply believe—a teaching that truly impacts society—is an honour for me.

I invite you to come climb Mont Saint-Mathieu and carry the Chain of Life flag to the summit: a powerful symbol of our common goal, which is to continue educating our youth so that they become empathetic, healthy citizens, fully aware of their choices.

Maaike Hurkmans
Proud Chain of Life Teacher                                                      
Flag bearer – Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

Coming soon