On November 16, the International Day for Tolerance 2021, three teachers and two classes of 8th graders were involved in a transdisciplinary activity meant to improve the linguistic, digital, social and civic competences of the participants and to develop their critical and creative thinking.
After a short presentation stage, the students were invited to express their opinions (and preferences) about 8 famous quotations on tolerance, A Lesson on Tolerance , then their comprehension was assessed with the help of a second interactive resource: What is Tolerance?
The students know now that the threats of our contemporary world can be counteracted through respect for human rights and cultural diversity, efforts for sustainable development and education for tolerance and peace.
They have become aware of the real meaning of tolerance: respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. They understand how tolerance can be fostered by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.
The students also learned that tolerance is not concession, condescension or indulgence. That, on the contrary, tolerance is, above all, an active attitude prompted by recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and, in no circumstance can tolerance be used to justify infringements of these fundamental values. Tolerance also needs to be exercised by individuals, groups and States.
The students agreed that tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), democracy and the rule of law and involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments.
Last, but not least, the participants understood that, consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others.
https://wayback.archive-it.org/10611/20161021215427/http://www.unesco.org/webworld/peace_library/UNESCO/HRIGHTS/124-129.HTM/
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