Local students hear Jean Vanier speak

Eighty-one students from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's nine high schools met Jean Vanier at a special youth forum in Toronto last week.

Over 1,400 students and 160 teachers from Catholic high schools across the province also participated in the full day When Faith Meets Pedagogy XII Conference, which ran from Oct. 25 to 27.

Widely recognized for his work, Vanier is the founder of the International Federation of L'Arche Communities, where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together.

Today, there are 134 L'Arche communities in six continents, including 28 in Canada.

He has written several books including the bestselling Becoming Human (CBC Massey Lectures) and Finding Peace.

Recognized as a voice for all who are marginalized, he has received numerous humanitarian awards including the Companion of the Order of Canada, Pope Paul VI International Prize, and the French Legion Honour.

He resides in the first L'Arche community in Trosly, France.

Jean Vanier wanted the event to be an opportunity for students to gain insights and to share ideas on the theme of creating communities of belonging.

Student leaders will bring what they learn back to their schools to share with other students and staff.