EUROPE/SPAIN - First World Congress for Student’s Parents Associations: “parents have the primordial and preferential right to educate their children according to their own principles and convictions”

Zaragoza (Agenzia Fides) – “The universal values for education in the 21st Century, for a better world,” was the theme of the First World Congress for Student’s Parents Associations, held by the National Catholic Confederation of Parents of Families and Parents of Students (CONCAPA), which was celebrated June 6-7 in Zaragoza (Spain). The main objective of the Congress was to show that beyond the social, political, cultural, and religious differences, there is a common will of parents to open a positive discussion, in favor of the person, and especially, in favor of their children’s formation. The Congress was attended by parents from 22 European countries, 10 South American countries, representatives from various African and Asian countries, and several from Australia and North America.
At the end of the Congress, the “Zaragoza 2008 Declaration on Education” was presented, a document in which the participants address the educational community in their own countries, political leaders, and the entire international community, expressing their commitment in the quest for obtaining the rights and objectives that the declaration contains.
Firstly, they mention that “parents have the primordial and preferential right to educate their children according to their own principles and moral, philosophical, religious, and pedagogical convictions,” and thus, “no other institution can legitimately usurp this right, not even in order to impose a moral or ideological doctrine.” Likewise, “all people have the right to receive a quality education in freedom that will allow them, through their own efforts, to reach personal independence and wholesome maturity.” For this reason, “no citizen in his right mind can remain indifferent in the face of the poverty and ignorance of others, with whom he has the duty of universal solidarity.”
The Zaragoza Declaration also affirms that “educational pluralism is a fundamental inherent value in education and implies the diversity of options that find their place within a free and democratic society.”
The parents consider it “necessary, an active and continual collaboration and participation of families in the educational process of their children.” With that in mind, “all families with school-age children should make a commitment to a greater participation and involvement in the education system through the student’s parents associations.”
They also mention the fact that “no democratic government can discriminate against families, obliging their children to attend classes in a state school, supported by state funds or privately run.” According to these parents, a correct education must include, “in addition to the intellectual formation, the physical or athletic education, language studies, and classes on modern technologies, which should be something offered in all schools.” Moreover, in living in a globalized world, students should learn to live together in respect of the diversity and plurality of cultures, care for the environment, and respect for others’ ideas and beliefs, without disregarding or renouncing of one’s own and with an active effort to include the most weak and needy.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2008)