2022 focus
Reaching a peaceful resolution to conflict is an admirable goal, but there are different approaches as well as different types of peace. These range from the negative peace of stopping violence, to the positive peace of the structural and behavioural changes that address the social, economic and environmental injustices that cause harm.
There are challenges at a global level, when dealing with issues like climate change, poverty and inequality. There are regional and domestic challenges, that can range from political polarisation to the question of how to move beyond a genocide. Even at the most basic, personal level, our children need to learn how to deal with each other after fighting. An essential component of tolerance is empathy, and understanding that whether you agree with them or not, others have the same rights as you want for yourself. The need for fairness is a universal truth for children and building on that as the basis for how they approach each other, and the world in which we live, can only improve their relationships and their approach to the social contract. A focus on what we have in common, from responding to emergencies, doing no harm and building a peaceful future together, can transform the way our societies work. Mutual understanding and dialogue underpin a better world. |
Breaking News... We are delighted to announce the WINNERS of the 2021/22 Learn2Think Young Journalist Prize:
Congratulations to the amazing 'Climate Crew' from Lyndhurst School in Camberley. Click here to listen to their brilliant podcast. Huge well done also to our Runner-Up Oliver King, read his thoughtful piece on 'Our Sinking World' here.
All educational materials for Tolerance Day are being delivered under the patronage of UNESCO Watch our VIDEO ASSEMBLY for Tolerance Day here
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THE BACKGROUND TO TOLERANCE DAY
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Our materials aim to provide young people with the tools to understand different perspectives. The goal is inculcating a curiosity to learn about beliefs and practices which are unfamiliar, to decode media bias and how to engage in dialogue with people who may hold different views.
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why teaching tolerance matters
As UNESCO puts it, “Education for tolerance should aim at countering influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people develop capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The diversity of our world's many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us all."
What is the point of Tolerance Day?
The point of the ToDay campaign in marking the UN's International Day for Tolerance is to celebrate diversity and tolerance in practice, and to ensure that we remember to make space for each other’s opinions. If opinions or ideas are objectionable or indefensible in our eyes, it is our duty to speak up and refute them. We must however try to understand the perspectives of others, develop a dialogue and build a mutual understanding, culminating in peaceful co-existence.
Tolerance is respecting the right others have to an opinion or practice, not the opinion or practice itself.
Click here for further background on Tolerance Day.
Find out more about the Seven Stages of Tolerance, a framework for embedding tolerance.
The point of the ToDay campaign in marking the UN's International Day for Tolerance is to celebrate diversity and tolerance in practice, and to ensure that we remember to make space for each other’s opinions. If opinions or ideas are objectionable or indefensible in our eyes, it is our duty to speak up and refute them. We must however try to understand the perspectives of others, develop a dialogue and build a mutual understanding, culminating in peaceful co-existence.
Tolerance is respecting the right others have to an opinion or practice, not the opinion or practice itself.
Click here for further background on Tolerance Day.
Find out more about the Seven Stages of Tolerance, a framework for embedding tolerance.
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. Nelson Mandela
I do not like the word tolerance, but could not think of a better one. Gandhi
I do not like the word tolerance, but could not think of a better one. Gandhi
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