“I’ve always thought of Jesus as a role model, but not really as the educator who inspires my teaching profession and models my behaviour with learners”.
This is how Amanda reacts after the day of formation on the Charismatic Identity and the style of educational charity of the Sisters of Charity.
Between 14 and 19 March, the core team of the International Bureau of Education (UIPE) visited the formal and non-formal educational works run by the Sisters of Charity on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta. This was a first for the UIPE office, which is pursuing its objective o
supporting educational works,
pooling forces
and encouraging the 82 schools to promote the international dimension.
On Friday 15 March and Monday 18 March, the two educational communities of Tarxien and Gudja came together to take part in the session entitled Charismatic identity and style of educational charity of the Sisters of Charity.
The teachers interacted following the first session led by Sr Wandamaria, highlighting the importance of deepening the style of charity of Saint Jeanne-Antide and understanding the meaning of educational tenderness in a society that liberates the expression of emotions without educating feelings.
After the group work and the break, Sr Mirna F. presented the Charismatic Identity of Catholic Schools in the light of the Global Educational Pact. The discussion picked up again when the participants were invited to reflect on the dynamic identity and permanent character of the Catholic school.
«The sessions – said Dorianne – were both very fruitful and interesting for us as educators, working in a Catholic school with its own particular charism. I learned more about the relationship between Saint Jeanne-Antide and education, and how we, as Christian educators, can follow her example on a daily basis in our vocation as educators in a Catholic school».
On the other hand, the teachers did not miss the opportunity to affirm the living tradition of charity that is perpetuated from generation to generation. The testimony of Jessica, a new teacher who joined the Gudja educational community in September, was expressive: “I consider myself blessed to be part of this educational community that lives what it declares”.
The two days were rounded off with a buffet lunch provided by the school. The participants expressed their sincere thanks to Sr Teresa T. for organising the two mornings and left us with this message: “Your expertise and passion have equipped us to continue to promote the holistic and integral development of each learner”.
The meetings with the directors, Melanie U. and Marion C., and the management teams revealed the dynamics and richness of each school, its strategy for the future and its daily challenges, as well as the expectations of the UIPE office.
Let’s not forget that to educate is to hope, to dare to dream of a more humane world.
