114 115 Rev. Prof. Dr Wojciech Cichosz Dean of the Faculty of Theology M. Kopernik University in Toruń Ambassador of PILGRIM in Poland Ideas of the PILGRIM Movement in the Education and Upbringing of Children and Adolescents For school education, it is essential to have a system of universal values that should permeate the entire process of education and upbringing. Recognising it - the Platonic triad of truth, goodness, and beauty - so close to the personalistic vision of the human being, fosters the proper development of children and adolescents. Therefore, it is important for the younger generation to be guided by a mentor-educator who sincerely cares about the integral development of the youngest generation. Contemporary schooling is largely focused on valorising subjects related to the current needs of the economy and the growing importance of economics in social life, which poses the risk of diminishing the prestige of those areas of knowledge that concern the meaning and significance of human life. Moreover, attaching excessive importance to the role of acquiring additional skills can have negative consequences when a student uses the acquired knowledge and skills to manipulate other people or the community in which they have to function. Hence it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to shaping in children and adolescents a sense of responsibility for the environment - both locally and globally. At the St. John Paul II Catholic School Complex in Gdynia, examples of such activities have been present for many years. Care for the natural environment is an educational area aimed at preparing students to live in harmony with nature. These tasks are carried out not only during lessons but above all during extracurricular activities and trips to various field centres (e.g. oceanarium, botanical garden). A regular tradition of the school is cooperation with institutions of higher education, which fosters independent acquisition and expansion of knowledge. During both school and extracurricular activities, lectures, and academic workshops, students are prepared to adopt a responsible attitude towards the present and future state of the environment and readiness to take action for sustainable development. Children and adolescents become acquainted with biodiversity and methods of its protection, the consequences of exploiting the natural environment, as well as renewable and non-renewable natural resources. As part of field trips in biology and geography, they learn about the functioning of waste treatment plants and garbage disposal (for example at Eko Dolina in Łężyce, or at the Dębogórze sewage treatment plant), visit nature reserves, and tour centres for the protection of endangered species (e.g., the seal sanctuary in Hel). The wide range of content covered not only allows students to see the significant impact that local communities have on the environment but also equips them with knowledge about the state’s environmental policy and biosecurity. An important aspect of educating students for life in a community is learning about other nations and cultures. During the annual Foreign Language Days, the school community prepares numerous presentations on various topics related to life in contemporary Europe, teaching tolerance towards other cultures and raising awareness about environmental threats in other countries. Participation in cultural activities is an extremely important element of educating children and adolescents. It involves not only building national identity and fostering patriotism but also instilling respect for other communities. Religious and patriotic events organised at school play a significant role in shaping the attitudes of children and adolescents. They teach respect for the nation's past and the entire European community, highlighting the attitudes and moral beauty of individuals who have contributed to the growth of societies past and present. The involvement of the St. John Paul II Catholic School Complex in Gdynia in projects of the International Education Network PILGRIM is another extremely valuable step in the process of educating and upbringing of children and adolescents for several important reasons. PILGRIM represents a unique educational initiative that intertwines two key aspects: sustainability and spirituality. Its main motto, "Living Consciously – Giving Future," encourages concrete actions to care for the future and to live more consciously in the present. Considering that modern humans are temporary inhabitants of the planet (Latin: homo viator), with an obligation to care for it in order to leave it in the best possible condition for future generations. By implementing actions for environmental protection, promoting sustainable consumerism, and developing skills for living in harmony with nature and other humans, young people learn responsibility for the world around them. This is extremely important because it is the young generation that will shape the future and make decisions regarding climate change. However, what distinguishes the PILGRIM network is its unique perspective based on beliefs and values. Spirituality takes a central place in it - surrounded by ecology, economy, and social issues. Engaging in the International Education Network PILGRIM
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