International Debate on Education

The Marist Solidarity Network of the Province of «Brasil Centro-Sul» was present at the International Education Meeting and at the World Forum on the Education of Children and Youth, held in February 2010 in São Paulo. The presence of the Marist Solidarity Network at these events strengthens the commitment to a project oriented to the emancipation of individuals and groups, in the perspective of autonomy and citizenship.

The objective of the International Education Meeting was to offer space for debate, reflection, exchange of experiences, the sharing of studies and research on topics linked to discussion on Education as a Personal Right. On this occasion, the Solidarity Network presented six projects developed in the Marist Social Centres in the « poster » mode, thus putting together practices with children, adolescents and affected families, in a report sharing knowledge with other organizations and the reinforcement of institutional activities for children and adolescents.

The World Forum on Education is a movement for planetary citizenship and for the universal right to Education. This Forum has arisen from the need for a greater participation in Education as guide for the open discussions at the World Social Forum (FSM). Twenty-four representatives of the Social Centres and the management team of the Marist Solidarity Network took part in the event. Among the participants there were adolescents from the Social Centres who were assigned to take part in the debates on different subjects.

The Marist Solidarity Network, in union with the Paulo Freire Institute, conducted an activity on self-management, with the participation of children and teachers: Participation of Children and Youth ? listening to their voices and their dreams ? and two workshops: « As Cores do Brincar » and an Dynamic Experience for the Education of Children, which places emphasis on children?s games and cultures.