Educating for Peace – XVII message from the Marist International Mission Commission
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The XVII message of the Marist International Mission Commission, entitled “ Educating for Peace: A need and an invaluable option”, emphasizes the Marist educational culture throughout the history, where the Marist Brothers have been spreading the Good News through the integration of human and gospel values.
The message, written by Br. Farancis Rahmat, on behalf of the International Commission, talks about the importance of education for peace in a “troubled, wounded and uncertain world,” where “peace remains our only hope as well as option to cultivate minds and hearts of children and youth to live in peace, love and joy”.
In the document, the values that the Marists promote in the different areas of their mission are emphasized, to promote integration and inclusion, respecting social and cultural diversity, socio-economic and political differences.
In this line, the values that promote peace through education are highlighted:
- Integration, not segregation
- A culture of encounter
- A sense of hope for coexistence
- Human rights advocacy
- Safe and peaceful spaces for youth
- Leadership for peace and celebration
In relation to prepare the students with critical democratic education to contribute to building a peaceful world, the message makes the following proposals:
- Fostering the culture of encounter and peace
- Integrating global citizenship into our educational and training plans
- To deepen a value-based and formation-oriented education
- Focusing on marginalised
- Participatory education for peace
Referring to educational and evangelistic programs that entail reception, inclusion, integration of children and youth, the commission mentions some actions or strategies that all Marists can follow to promote education for peace:
- Awareness
- Allocation of resources
- Curriculum
- Develop initiatives
- Participation of youth
In the conclusion of the XVII message of the International Marist Mission Commission, Br. Farancis emphasizes that “The task of education for peace is important as well as urgent, and it can be achieved only if we journey together as a global Marist family”.