A possible model

“I hope that Europe’s won’t have to learn the lesson of integration from Sarajevo”. It could be understood as a provocation, but in reality, the phrase of the auxiliary bishop of Sarajevo, Msgr. Pero Sudar, encompasses the fear of those who experienced a civil war in recent times and wish that tired and non-responsive Europe realizes what it truly means. The possible integration mentioned by the bishop is that of the Catholic schools of Sarajevo, with 7 thousand pupils from the diocese: “There are Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim students alike, as the educational aspect is the same for all”. So what’s the solution to the problem of the teaching of religion? “We propose classes in the history of religion for everyone. The purpose of these classes is to inform on the contribution of religions to human history. For us it’s a major step forward. I recall that under Communism it was even forbidden to speak about religion”. This is not the only educative proposal offered by the capital of Bosnia Herzegovina to its students: “We naturally have also a class in Catechism – underlines Msgr. Sudar -for each religion to which the pupils belong. It’s an optional, non-compulsory class “. This possibility did not affect school attendance. In fact “90% of all students opt for this solution while the remaining 10% attend ethics classes”. A few days ago Msgr. Sudar was in Milan, where he took part in the conference in preparation of the traditional Andemm al Dom March due to take place next April 16. The main theme of the meeting held at the San Carlo Theatre with the representatives of 1100 schools of the diocese of Milan was “Education and multiculturalism: the commitment of the Catholic Church”. Some 121 thousand students are registered in officially recognized Catholic schools in Milan, 5.135 of whom are foreigners and 2170 disabled children.Past deviations. From the Balkans in flames during the 1990s war, which today is striving to recover a just path arrives the proposal of a possible model of school education, the primary grounds of conscience formation. “I dread the criticism to multiculturalism that has been made first in Germany and then in England, and I think a clarification is due. If by failure is intended the failed implementation of a political approach that wipes out differences we fully agree. But if instead the failure that is being referred to is that of integration policies it is necessary for everyone to reflect on the important moment in Europe”. The war must not be forgotten. “In our schools there are students that have no experience of the world without war: it’s an educational challenge. Some find it easier to approach the subject in the framework of the creation of conscience, in the transmission of the values of respect and tolerance, without which human life wouldn’t be possible. If not put in these terms it can be dangerous, since not wanting to remember, not wanting to recover our memories entails the risk of giving way to past deviations. Europe must understand it. It is a risk that must be grasped by European leaders first of all”. Certainly, the Catholic schools of Sarajevo prevent this risk, as they are very different from public “mono-ethnic” schools and are marked by a special preference for the poor, recognized by education authorities. “There are no fees to pay and the school is open to everyone. It’s not a school for the rich”.Sharing and growing. Multiculturalism is the binding element of two different realities, that of Milan and that of Sarajevo: “We have decided to address the theme of multiculturalism as in our Catholic schools there are pupils from other European Countries and others from non-EU States – said Michele Di Tolve, diocesan coordinator for education and Catholic religious teaching -. We want it to be understood that intercultural education is precisely what characterizes the Catholic school in Milan”. Each year the conference provides a snapshot of the situation of the schools in Milan. Current conditions are good, as confirmed by figures released during the meeting. “Many families have made cuts in their budget, but they reconfirmed the Catholic school for their children, a public, fee-paying school, that enjoys juridical recognition but is not state-funded. We must support the families, as they are primary educators”. Di Tolve considers significant “the presence of youth from other nationalities in our schools. We want to promote dialogue, sharing and growth. We believe it will enrich future civilizations”. During the conference speakers addressed the pastoral orientations of the Italian Church in the next decade, along with panel lectures on the situation of Sarajevo.