The theme for my post today is tolerance.
For its fiftieth anniversary on 16th November 1995, UNESCO’s Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance which includes this definition of tolerance:
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief.
Tolerance is harmony in difference.
Since the Declaration, November 16th has been designated and celebrated as the International Day for Tolerance. The aim is to help spread tolerance and raise awareness of any intolerance that may still be prevalent in the world today.
It is important that within a school community there is a commitment to create a civil and inclusive environment where children are respected, valued and welcome participants. All members of the community should be patient, understanding and accepting that there are other points of view.
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.”
To find out more about the topic of tolerance try the following:
- Learn more about tolerance and intolerance and how to celebrate the differences between cultures.
- Start a conversation with someone with a differing viewpoint, you’ll likely find you have more in common than you expected.
- Read and reflect on the quotes below.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
John F. Kennedy
The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don’t agree with.
Eleanor Holmes Norton
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
Dalai Lama XIV
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.
Mahatma Gandhi