Prolife Education in London, ON
By Mike Girard

M any people have been asking about the existence and availability of pro-life "curriculum" and presentation material for presentations in schools and to various groups. I have come across material put out by London Area Right to Life Association, in partnership with the Diocese of London Pro-Life office. The people involved have experienced success with the implementation of its elementary pro-life Education Program within the London District Catholic School Board. The program is jointly sponsored by the three groups, although primarily financed by London Right to Life. The program was written by Gladys Charbonneau of Kent County Right to Life, who for many years organized and delivered the program in schools. Another instrumental person is Elsie Shivas, a teacher in the London Catholic school system.

"The goal of the program is to foster within the students love and respect for the gift of human life. It affirms the positive message of the value of our God-given human life in the midst of societal messages to the contrary. It is an affirmation of the students' natural inclination to view all human life, from conception to natural death, as sacred. Through age-appropriate discussions and visual presentations, students are exposed to a variety of life issues in a positive and affirming manner, all through the light of our Catholic faith." (Quoted from the program overview information).

The material is designed specifically for Catholic elementary students and is targeted for a Catholic audience. Nevertheless, the program can assist anyone wishing to develop material and ideas for pro-life educational and presentation purposes.

The program consists of three basic presentations by trained presenters:

" The Wonder of Being Alive "

for grades 3 and 4. This one hour presentation explores the development of a baby from conception to birth. Through story, slide presentation, songs, and visual aids, students are instructed that from conception, everybody is unique and important. Each person has gifts and talents to develop and that all human beings are created and loved by God.

2. " I'm Special " for grades 5 and 6. This one hour presentation incorporates the video Preview of a Birth , along with discussion and visual aids to add greater detail to the life of the child before birth. There is elaboration on the theme of uniqueness. The purpose is to enable children to see that everyone, regardless of their differences, is created in the image and likeness of God and is special.

Note: Abortion is not mentioned in the grade 3 and 4 presentations. Students in grades 5 and 6 have consistently asked the speakers to confirm that abortion is wrong. The presenters factually address the students' questions and guide them to focus on the positive alternatives to abortion.

3. " Sex Has a Price Tag " for grades 7 and 8. This two and a half hour presentation directly addresses life issues and chastity. The video Sex Has a Price Tag is shown, followed by a discussion of life issues, giving the student a greater understanding of their personal impact upon individuals and society. In a focus on chastity, students are guided through a discussion of the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of having sexual relations outside and within marriage. They are given guidance on how to use their God-given gifts of sexuality and fertility wisely.

In all of the presentations, students receive age and theme appropriate literature to share with their families. The classroom teachers receive a resource package and a copy of the literature given out to the students.

The response of the students, parents, teachers, and administration is reported to have been very positive. The program was successfully piloted in eight schools in 1995-96. In 1996-97, the program was delivered in 18 schools and in the months of February and March, 12 volunteer speakers were trained to deliver the program. In the months of April, May, and June, they gave 115 presentations to approximately 3500 students in 18 schools. The numbers and success continues today. The program is made possible through the generous commitment of time, talent, and financial assistance of many volunteers and agencies.?

For more information, contact:

Phil Arnsby
London Right to Life
1567 Stoneybrooke Cres.
London, ON N5X 1C7
Ph: (519) 660-4403
Fax: (519) 850-7012
E-mail: phil1567@aol.com

Mike Girard is a high-school teacher in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He will write a regular column on pro-life education.