We are diverse, we are Latin American brothers and sisters

LIMA, Peru.
Within the framework of the Socio-Educational Proposal of the Teresian Association (TA) in Latin America (PSEIT in Spanish), children and adolescents connected to schools and activities of the TA embark on a journey to know different cultures, welcome them, and work against discrimination. Already there have been five Conferences with this goal.

"Recognizing and valuing differences positively" was the focus of the conclusions of the V Latin American Conference of children and adolescents, aged 10-15, of the Teresian Association, held at Isabel Flores de Oliva School, Lima, from October 10-13, 2014. The theme that attracted participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil and Peru was: "We are diverse, we are Latin American brothers and sisters." A new Conference has been called for 2016.

According to organizers, the Conference was the right opportunity to strengthen fellowship and fraternity among the students, as proposed by the TA Socio-Educational Proposal. The participants highlighted the following in their conclusions:

• We have different ways of expressing ourselves, different games and customs, but we understand each other. We have different tastes, beliefs, dreams, and cultures; we can be friends even though we are from different countries.
• We share common interests. Although we are different we can have the same emotions and feelings and, being young, we have the same concerns.
• We speak different languages, have different verbal expressions, accents and vocabulary. Despite the differences we can understand each other and communicate.
• Our tastes and preferences are very similar. We all have different dreams and goals.
• We all want the best for our country and, even though we live in different countries, we belong to the TA and this makes us brothers and sisters.
• We are equal but different at the same time; each one is important and we must live in harmony.
• View and discover the similarities among us. The history of our countries is somehow alike.
• Diversity is important because we need to know the cultures of others and this is possible when know each other. We want to live in a world without lies, being realistic and proactive.
• Understand each other. Accept our differences.
• No discrimination. Respect the rights of others, the opinions and ways of thinking others, including themselves.
• Avoid violence and conflict.
• Do not let the past hurt us, history should not disunite us.

Next Conference will take place in 2016. Some proposals for the event were presented:

• More countries are to participate.
• Learn more about the culture, music, crafts, food, traditions, and touristic landmarks of each country.
• Make a dictionary of different words/expressions of each country and their meanings.
• That it may be fun (like the one we experienced). That there may be more days to share.
• Organize a Conference for adolescents.
• Topics to be covered: Discrimination and bullying, friendship, communication, personal experiences, plans for the future, dreams and goals. Achieve a more united Latin America based on our ideals.

Info.IT