12/10-13/10: BILL CLEARY: “How religious values have influenced educational thinking and practice in Ireland and Denmark-a historic view” “Are religious values relevant for the education of teacher/social worker/professional in post-modern society?”

...THOUGHTS...

I believe that the meeting between young people of different nationalities is not a problem today. With globalization and technological change the distances have been reduced.
It is very important having an open mind because in this way fear, indifference towards the other turns into desire, curiosity and interest to know each other. This is not easy because the culture and the personality of each person affect much on this aspect and that is why education plays a key role. I think the key is education and teaching motivation, because that children are motivated is essential to know the others, and in order that this happens it must be taught to see each person as a possible resource, a treasure to discover and a way to enrich your soul, your being.

Religion influenced and still influences in some cases education and universal values. This is because it was the first form of education and some of its basic ideas are recognized almost worldwide. Remembering the most famous teaching of Gospel: "love your neighbor as yourself", which I believe is the basic idea of volunteering in some cases envolved in social work.