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New Jean Vanier Video Clips for Canadian Schools
New Jean Vanier Video Clips on Hospitality for Catholic and Faith-based Schools
iBelong
Belonging: Choosing our Future
Belonging Collection: Disability and Inclusion
Choosing our Future
On Becoming Human
Et Toi? Tu choisis quoi?
Belonging: The Search for Acceptance
More than Inclusion
Short Films for Class Discussion
The “I Am...” Kit
Learn Alberta launches new online high school Social Studies Resource on Jean Vanier
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Recent news
Quebec Speaks Out
The eight L’Arche communities of Quebec responded together to an official report to the Minister of Health and Social Services, proposing early screening for Down Syndrome. (See previous article)
Is any war a just war? Vanier answers Globe journalist Ian Brown
The exchange of reflective letters continues between Globe and Mail writer Ian Brown and Jean Vanier.
A Nation Builder in a Broken World
Today, Saturday, December 27, Jean Vanier has been named the Nation Builder of 2008 by The Globe and Mail. This award is given to a Canadian who inspires, unites, and contributes to the common good.
Short Films for Class Discussion

L’Arche offers some short films (10 min) that can be used as front material to open up a discussion about diversity and inclusion and belonging. They show how people with intellectual disabilities can contribute to the lives of others. These films are suited to intermediate and senior high school guidance, equity and diversity education, family studies, and religion courses. One of these films (“In God’s Hands”) has religious content. The others follow the L’Arche Educational Initiatives policy of not including religious content or including only what is generic.

Read more.

1. “Building a Compassionate Canadian Society”
This 10 minute DVD introduces viewers to L’Arche by telling the story of Rose Decker, a woman with profound physical and intellectual disabilities who became a teacher to the young college-aged assistants who live with her.

"Building a Compassionate Canadian Society” (2003), 10 min. DVD: $8.00 plus taxes and shipping.

2. “Prophets of Peace,” a Masterworks DVD-ROM, contains 2 short award-winning videos (10 min. each) presenting the lives of two men who have intellectual disabilities. Both live in a L’Arche community. The comments and modeling of their young assistant friends and the portrait of their interesting lives help students see individuals with disabilities differently. The DVD includes comments by filmmaker Deiren Masterson (5 min.).

(a) “Where’s Your Home” (10 min.) tells the story of John Smeltzer, a charismatic man with Down Syndrome who works on a farm, plays the spoons with a local band, and brings his gift of friendship to people in his town.

(b) “In God’s Hands” presents Michael Barrett, a man who has severe Cerebral Palsy. He cannot walk or speak in the usual way, but his sensitive spirit and love of life and action touches and changes the lives of the young assistants who spend time with him. (This film is suited to student retreats.)


“Prophet’s of Peace” DVD-ROM: $26.95 plus taxes and shipping. (Includes “Questions for Reflection”)

Press release

L’Arche Canada is proud to join Education Alberta in announcing the launch of a new Online high school Social Studies Resource on Jean Vanier

The resource, titled “Jean Vanier: A Canadian Inspiring the World”, gives ready access to some of the best thinking of this acclaimed social visionary, humanitarian and founder of the L’Arche movement.
How To Order
Educational materials may be ordered through
education@larche.ca

L’Arche makes these items available at cost. Some items may have occasional religious references that are generic in nature. L’Arche does not proselytize. It encourages a broad and inclusive social vision.
The Experience of Individuals
Ingrid Blais, director of L'Arche Homefires
Leslie Greencorn, Halifax (Nova Scotia)
Kristian Chilla, Germany
What is L'Arche ?
A Journey of Personal Growth
A Life Together that's Unique
What Makes a Community ?
Questions & Answers
Who can be an assistant?
How do I know if I'll like it?
L'Arche Canada - 2013