Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Fides Service) - Sister Elizabeth Gonzalez, deputy director of the school "Santa Maria de la Providencia" in Renca and member of the Commission for the Continental Mission of the Archdiocese of Santiago, lived the "Penguin Revolution" of 2006 and currently continues to follow the student movement in Chile. Last week, students occupied the school premises and Sister Elizabeth decided to stay with them, sleeping on the floor together with the students, to keep a genuine dialogue open, without falling into unnecessary acts of vandalism that weaken the demands. "It is encouraging to see that young people in Catholic schools are not indifferent, but want to contribute to the problem by demonstrating peacefully, being facilitators of dialogue, asking the illumination of the Spirit to discern and participate with respect, confidence and willingness to respond to this challenge that affects everyone", said the nun.
To "engage in the reality", as requested by the Conference of Aparecida, school teachers, along with the religious, wanted to accompany the students in this peaceful and symbolic action. This attitude was very much appreciated by the young people who then chose to put an end to the occupation and begin the cultural sit-in, with days of reflection (organized in the last hours of lessons), understanding that violence is not the best way to have an answer to their requests. With this attitude of dialogue, it was possible to resume the school year. "Now more than ever the missionary disciples, students, pastoral workers, teachers, parents, religious and all those involved in educational work, have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to issues affecting the education system, the quality of education, justice and equity, so the youth of our country can have thorough and worthy access to education, regardless of social status to which they belong. It is a good cause, according to the values of the Gospel", concluded the Deputy Director .
The situation has not changed much since the students began demonstrations to ask changes in the educational system (see Fides 25/6/2011). Even the bishops of Chile stressed that "there is a long way to go" to build a model of education which is considered of quality, equitable and fair, where every student, regardless of their personal and social condition, is secured the necessary training to develop fully. (EC) (Agenzia Fides 04/07/2011)
