Young people should be taught to appreciate foreign cultures and engage with different societies, according to presenters at a recent conference in Tunis.
By Mona Yahia for Magharebia in Tunis – 25/03/10
Education plays a key role in creating tolerant societies and opening young peoples' eyes to other cultures, participants at a Tunis conference on youth and peace said on Monday (March 22nd).
Educators should teach youth to co-operate with and understand other cultures from an early age, said Tunisian Organization for Education and the Family (OTEF) director Salem Mekki.
The conference, held jointly by OTEF and the Educators' Forum under the banner of "Youth and Education: Dialogue for Peace and Partnership in the World", drew participants from Tunisia and the Mediterranean community. Experts and students examined how education can stop racism and strengthen dialogue between cultures.
Students attending the conference also saw education as a way to improve inter-cultural relations. One of them, Montaser Ebeid, said he sees school as a place where he can meet more friends and learn foreign languages, allowing him to explore the world and appreciate unfamiliar cultures.
Another student, Jihan Moussa, credited the internet with connecting her to people around the world, while acknowledging that school has taught her to appreciate the opportunities this brings.
"Some lessons and teachers also play a role in introducing us to other cultures, which is very important," she told Magharebia.
Tunisia has paid special attention to young people's concerns recently, declaring 2010 "International Youth Year" and launching initiatives to spur youth involvement in civil society.
On March 20th, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced he would create a parliament for young people this year, in addition to a fourth consultation with youth and a field survey on their concerns.
These efforts "highlight the international awareness of the value of youth, who are central to progress and modernization and who are indeed the basis of any development efforts", said Tunisian Education Minister Hatem Ben Salem.
The conference also explored how European civil society has reinforced the concept of dialogue among civilizations and peace in the world.
Jean-Claude Gonon, a former general rapporteur of the Council of Europe Conference of INGOs, said that dialogue among younger generations was important for developing a national identity and boosting values of citizenship and tolerance.
Louis Michel, a member of the European Parliament, said dialogue can only improve civil society.
"Dialogue is the answer, not the problem," said the MP. "It is vital that we stress dialogue and teach it in elementary schools so we'll be able to listen to the 'other'."
Source: Magharebia.com
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/03/25/feature-01.
By Mona Yahia for Magharebia in Tunis – 25/03/10
Education plays a key role in creating tolerant societies and opening young peoples' eyes to other cultures, participants at a Tunis conference on youth and peace said on Monday (March 22nd).
Educators should teach youth to co-operate with and understand other cultures from an early age, said Tunisian Organization for Education and the Family (OTEF) director Salem Mekki.
The conference, held jointly by OTEF and the Educators' Forum under the banner of "Youth and Education: Dialogue for Peace and Partnership in the World", drew participants from Tunisia and the Mediterranean community. Experts and students examined how education can stop racism and strengthen dialogue between cultures.
Students attending the conference also saw education as a way to improve inter-cultural relations. One of them, Montaser Ebeid, said he sees school as a place where he can meet more friends and learn foreign languages, allowing him to explore the world and appreciate unfamiliar cultures.
Another student, Jihan Moussa, credited the internet with connecting her to people around the world, while acknowledging that school has taught her to appreciate the opportunities this brings.
"Some lessons and teachers also play a role in introducing us to other cultures, which is very important," she told Magharebia.
Tunisia has paid special attention to young people's concerns recently, declaring 2010 "International Youth Year" and launching initiatives to spur youth involvement in civil society.
On March 20th, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced he would create a parliament for young people this year, in addition to a fourth consultation with youth and a field survey on their concerns.
These efforts "highlight the international awareness of the value of youth, who are central to progress and modernization and who are indeed the basis of any development efforts", said Tunisian Education Minister Hatem Ben Salem.
The conference also explored how European civil society has reinforced the concept of dialogue among civilizations and peace in the world.
Jean-Claude Gonon, a former general rapporteur of the Council of Europe Conference of INGOs, said that dialogue among younger generations was important for developing a national identity and boosting values of citizenship and tolerance.
Louis Michel, a member of the European Parliament, said dialogue can only improve civil society.
"Dialogue is the answer, not the problem," said the MP. "It is vital that we stress dialogue and teach it in elementary schools so we'll be able to listen to the 'other'."
Source: Magharebia.com
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/03/25/feature-01.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.