Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - “Education is a task for everyone” is the title of the statement issued by the Bishops of Venezuela at the close of their Plenary Assembly, after the presentation of a “list of ideas for the elaboration of the organic law of Education,” which took place this past June 23, in the National Assembly, led by Ministers Luís Acuña y Héctor Navarro, and following the meeting of the President of the Commission of Education of the National Assembly and the Presidency of the Venezuelan Association of Catholic Education (AVEC) and different organizations and entities of national educational activity. The Bishops' Conference, while it encourages all to participate, calls for the “publication of the draft bill, in order to facilitate exchange of views and reach a consensus on such an important matter.”
In this regards, the Bishops reiterate once more the Church's desire to participate in this dialogue and recall the various statements that the Bishops have made on the issue, the most recent of which was in the manifesto “The Education that Venezuela Needs,” issued in 2007, on the occasion of the PLOE debate. The document continues to be valid and reflects the Church's position on basic themes that should be considered in the new Organic Law of Education.”
They recall several fundamental aspects that should be expressed with clarity in the draft bill, such as: “openness of the Law to all thoughts in accord with the indications of the Constitution; the undeniable right and responsibility of the family in educating their children and in the choice of their school; the State's role as guide, shared by all society, in guaranteeing the rights of all, especially for the largest sectors, and in the overseeing of its effective fulfillment, in accord with the laws; the need to promote an education that is integral, promotes life and transforms society; take into account the religious dimension of the people and review religious education in schools, according to the different religions and within the constitutional boundaries; responsible participation of the educational community, which should be formed by people who truly intervene in the lives of the children and adolescents at the school.”
They also consider how the Law should seek “to offer a response to the existing education crisis and favor the working together of Venezuelan society for the growth of persons and the effective development of the country” and it should obtain “an authentic quality education that contains the values that make our nation a great nation.”
They conclude the statement with their hope for a “dialogue that leads to consensus” and rejects “all that shows an imposition of criteria or orientations from any side.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2009)
