Cultivate and promote traditions and civic education in national coexistence

As parents, caregivers and community members, we have the responsibility to foster these values in new generations, to build a future based on respect, tolerance and justice.

KIDS UP

2/8/20243 min read

The recent death of the Former President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera Echenique, has generated deep civic respect in society, even on the part of those who were his political adversaries. This moment of national pain has allowed us to reflect on the importance of cultivating and promoting traditions and civic education among our children, as well as promoting democratic coexistence between people who legitimately think differently.

Civic training is a fundamental part of pro-social education that allows us to learn to resolve our differences within a framework of respect. As parents and caregivers, we have the responsibility to positively promote these values in new generations.

The importance of traditions

Traditions are an integral part of the identity of a country and its culture. Through them, we transmit values, knowledge and experiences from generation to generation. They are a way of keeping our roots alive and strengthening the sense of belonging to a community.

When we cultivate and promote traditions, we are fostering respect for our history and our roots. This allows us to better value and understand our present, as well as build a future based on the learnings of the past.

Additionally, traditions provide us with a sense of continuity and stability in a world that is constantly changing. They connect us to our roots and offer us an anchor in times of uncertainty.

The importance of civic education

Civic education is essential for the development of a democratic and participatory society. Through it, citizens acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities as active members of the community.

Civic education teaches us about our rights and duties as citizens, as well as the principles and values that support our democratic coexistence. It provides us with tools to participate in an informed manner in electoral processes and in making decisions that affect our society.

In addition, civic education helps us develop dialogue, negotiation and peaceful conflict resolution skills. It teaches us to listen to and respect different points of view, thus promoting democratic coexistence and respect for diversity.

Promoting democratic coexistence

Democratic coexistence implies accepting and respecting the diversity of opinions and worldviews. It is essential in a pluralistic and democratic society, where it is natural for people to think differently and have different interests and aspirations.

To promote democratic coexistence, it is necessary to promote dialogue and respect for diversity from an early age. Parents and caregivers play a fundamental role in this process, as they are the first models of behavior and values for children.

It is important to teach our children to listen actively, to express their opinions respectfully and to seek common ground with those who think differently. We must foster empathy and understanding, promoting respect for the rights and dignity of all people.

Furthermore, it is essential to teach our children to actively participate in the democratic life of their community. This can range from participating in student elections to getting involved in community projects that promote well-being and social justice.

Civic training as part of pro-social education

Civic training is a fundamental part of pro-social education, which seeks to form responsible, committed citizens who respect the rights of others. This pro-social education allows us to learn to resolve our differences peacefully and build a more just and equitable society.

Civic education teaches us to be active and committed citizens, to respect the laws and to participate in an informed manner in the democratic life of our community. It gives us tools to critically analyze reality, to make ethical decisions and to promote the common good.

As parents and caregivers, we can promote civic education in our children through different strategies. We can talk to them about the importance of civic values, share our own experiences with them and participate together in activities that promote democratic coexistence.

Furthermore, it is essential that educational institutions include civic training as an integral part of their curriculum. Teachers have the responsibility of teaching their students about democratic values, human rights and the importance of citizen participation.

The importance of cultivating and promoting traditions and civic education lies in the formation of committed, respectful and participatory citizens. Democratic coexistence is fundamental in a pluralistic society, where it is natural for people to think differently. As parents, caregivers and community members, we have the responsibility to foster these values in new generations, to build a future based on respect, tolerance and justice.