In view of the International Day for Tolerance, the week at Savremena was dedicated to learning about tolerance and developing skills that allow one to understand and respect diversity.

The most interesting activities included psychology workshops and the one entitled “Harmony in Diversity”, presented to students in Years 4 and 5 by school counsellor Milena Tarbuk.

TOLERANCE DAY

The International Day for Tolerance has been observed since 16 November 1996. This is a day that reminds everyone of respecting others. The definition of tolerance is as follows:

“Tolerance is respecting, accepting and acknowledging diversity in world cultures, our form of expression and a way to act humanely. It is based on knowledge, openness, communication and the freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in diversity. It is not just a moral duty, but a political and legal request. Tolerance, a quality that can make peace possible, changes a culture of war into a culture of peace.”

WE ASKED THE STUDENTS TO DEFINE TOLERANCE

In interactive workshops, the school counsellor and a fifth-grader discussed tolerance with the students in Years 3, 4 and 5. Before the lecture, some students gave their definition of tolerance:

For me, tolerance means accepting other people’s opinion and diversity. I think all of us have a duty to be tolerant; this is what we learn in school and in the family.

Tolerance means respecting other people’s opinions and feelings. I am happy that we’re learning about tolerance and I’m looking forward to the Tolerance Day workshops.

“THE HARMONY OF DIVERSITY” AND LEARNING ABOUT TOLERANCE THROUGH PLAY

We’ve learnt why it is important to value the differences between the students and why diversity enriches us.

Through a conversation with their teacher, the students in Years 1 and 2 concluded that tolerance is the foundation of a non-violent environment, that diversity is our treasure and that everyone has the right to live in peace.

CREATIVE IDEAS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOLERANCE SKILLS

In addition to attending interactive psychology workshops and playing roles designed to develop and strengthen emotional stability, self-respect and respecting others, the students carried out an interesting idea together – in the hall, they placed a box in which the parents left messages about tolerance.

By celebrating this day, the students were reminded of the importance of respecting other people’s opinions, beliefs and feelings. They learnt that tolerance means being free, sticking to one’s beliefs while respecting the rights of others, but also not imposing ideas and attitudes, as each of us has to create his/her own image of the world we live in.