SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Chile.
The Continental Seminar on the Socio-Educational proposal of the Teresian Association this year had the theme: "Citizenship, Memory and Education." It concluded with renewed thoughts, learning, and valuable experiences on October 19. Ten countries form Latin America participated in the event.
The purpose of these annual meetings is, according to the Coordinator of the Advisory Commission of the PSE (Socio Education Proposal) of America, Vera Maria Candau of Brazil, to "provide opportunities for reflection, action, change, and training to address issues that are important for our PSE."
The seminar took place on September 24-28 at the Teresian Association School in Santiago de Chile (Chile). Educators and teachers from schools and social projects promoted by the Teresian Association in America participated.
Conversation with Vera María Candau
During the seminar we spoke with Vera Maria Candau on various aspects of the seminar and on education during hard times. The Coordinator of the PSE explained that this year's theme "focused on the relationship among citizenship, memory, and violence, and their implications for education because they are issues that are very connected and belong to the time we live in this continent."
"Social situations of inequality and violence multiply and present educational challenges to various agents in the context of citizenship education. Social movements have become a new form of expression of the citizens and for the construction of policy. These movements of various kinds have gained great strength and have prompted States to take decisions in relation to these social needs," said Vera María.
"Today, across America there are groups of citizens organized around searches, claims or demands of various kinds, such as economic policies, educational reforms, and affirmation of rights, among others. There are many movements that are present in public spaces: movements of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, workers, immigrants, and youth, among many others."
Vera Maria described the development of the seminar, which had three special moments. At the roundtables discussions addressed some key issues: Urban violence and education, social movements, protests and Youth, and memory, citizenship and human rights. The dialogue dealt with the perspectives of the different countries.
During the presentations there was an exchange of experiences on the topics covered. The most important thing is that each country outlined their situation and view of these issues with case studies, examples, and specific experiences.
Time was also spent on summarizing, on seeing where convergence was reached from the insights. Agreements and challenges were identified for further work on issues in the various contexts.
Vera Mary Candau responded to other questions related to the socio-educational proposal of the Teresian Association in the American continent.
Q. How important is this seminar for the PSE?
V.M.C. This is the 19th seminar held since the beginning of the PSE in 2002. We believe that these spaces are essential because they feed our Education in Difficult Times Project and they support our PSE. They allow us to deepen into themes that are present in the continent, ideas, searches, experiences, and challenges for us as educators in different social and educational projects promoted by the Teresian Association in America.
Q. What is the educator’s role in this context?
V.M.C. In the school of Poveda, rather than techniques, methodologies, and strategies, the person of the teacher and educator, who is conceived as the mobilizing of learning processes, of construction of knowledge, values and significant practices that are responsive to the challenges in the context that we are living is the most important. Therefore, the formation of educators is essential in the social projects and educational centers of the TA.
Q. What do you think Pedro Poveda would say if he were in this seminar?
V.M.C. I think he would say to everyone, to each one: “Value justice as much as you value life.” Education today cannot serve the market, consumption, productivity, where only a few can participate. Education is at the service of life and especially of the most vulnerable. The construction of a more equitable, just, compassionate education for everyone is key and is a possible project, as evidenced by several examples that we have shared in this seminar.
Q. After this seminar, what are the challenges to the PSE?
V.M.C. First we have to share with the community all we have experienced, which has been very strong and intense. More than 65 people from various Latin American countries have shared experiences and reflections. Later, the group that implements the PSE will work on issues that will allow us to build a society in which we are capable of living in community with justice, based on equality and tenderness. A counter contagious culture is already underway. It motivates and facilitates a more just and different education based on the person, and not just on the rankings or the market. Holding onto this position is a great challenge for us and for us, members of Poveda’s School, feeling that together we can achieve this has been a central learning in this seminary.
After three intensive days, the participants at the Seminar celebrated the Community Mass with "Chilean style" where they could offer to the Lord, all the learning in this seminar. Also, they performed traditional dances and songs such as the “cueca.”
Pilar Viñas
A. Comminications
Teresian School