We turn differences into opportunities by promoting intercultural education as a tool for social cohesion and creation of critical and responsible citizens
Our societies are increasingly more diverse, and this diversity is one of the assets that allow us to advance together. Educating in values of respect for diversity, equality and democracy provides the foundations for an intercultural, critical and transformative citizenry.
The programme “Educar en la Diversitat” (Educating in Diversity) highlights, through different intercultural initiatives and artistic and creative disciplines, the importance of non-formal education as a complement to formal education and as an essential tool for human development and the acquisition of intercultural skills and values and attitudes such as respect and empathy. Non-formal education enables young people to grow and socially integrate, training them in respect for diversity, active participation and the development of democratic values. Working on this diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the intercultural approach is the instrument that helps us enrich each other.
Educational environments, which possess a great deal of cultural diversity, are key elements and ideal settings to build and foster dynamics of dialogue and interaction among young people, who are the real transformative agents of change. The actions of this programme showcase the richness of the diversity of the different cultures with which we coexist, while helping to fight against stereotypes, discrimination and hate-motivated behaviours, creating more inclusive and sustainable societies.
Non-formal education as an instrument to strengthen a culture of peace is another of the programme’s objectives. A culture of peace based on transforming conflicts through peer-to-peer dialogue and negotiation using non-violent means. This culture of peace undoubtedly has an effect on the social wellbeing of Euro-Mediterranean societies and promotes and intensifies coexistence and social cohesion.
This programme also envisages the exchange of good practices in non-formal education at a Euro-Mediterranean level by holding a series of meetings, educational workshops and spaces of reflection to foster the learning processes of professionals and the creation of synergies between the different actors in the world of education from the different countries on both shores of the Mediterranean.