How the Saint Dominique Savio school in Lausanne teaches tolerance and kindness
The education we receive in primary school is the foundation on which we build the values and principles we carry with us throughout our lives. In an increasingly diverse society, learning tolerance and inclusion from an early age is becoming a priority for families and educators.
The Saint Dominique Savio school in Lausanne, a Catholic primary school, is a living example of how educational institutions can transmit these essential values while ensuring a quality academic education. This article explores how the school integrates the teaching of tolerance and benevolence into its curriculum, activities and culture.
Catholic education: a framework of universal values
Founded on the principles of Catholic education, Saint Dominic Savio is distinguished by its commitment to Christian values such as love of neighbour, compassion and respect for others. These values are not just spiritual concepts, but living principles that guide the daily interactions between students, teachers and parents. One of the most important aspects of this approach is the promotion of tolerance and inclusion. These values are rooted in the idea that each individual is a unique and precious creation of God, which leads to an unconditional acceptance of differences and a willingness to live in harmony with others.
An educational programme that values diversity
Saint Dominique Savio makes a point of integrating elements of tolerance and inclusion into its educational programme. Teachers use teaching methods that encourage cooperation and respect between pupils. For example, group activities are regularly organised to encourage children to work together, listen to each other's ideas and find common solutions. These activities help to develop pupils' ability to understand and appreciate perspectives that are different from their own.
Edifying stories of the Saints or morning prayer play a central role in transmitting values of tolerance and respect. Through Bible stories and reflections on the teachings of Christ, pupils learn that true Christian faith is expressed through love and compassion for all, regardless of differences. The story of the Good Samaritan is a perfect example of this, but the life and virtuous teachings of Dominic Savio also encourage them to imitate this love and concern for others in their daily lives.
Concrete projects and activities to promote benevolence
In addition to traditional lessons, Saint Dominic Savio organises various projects and activities that help to teach tolerance and inclusion. For example, the school regularly runs cultural diversity awareness projects, where pupils have the opportunity to discover and share aspects of their own culture and learn about those of others. These projects can take the form of presentations, culinary workshops, music and dance, allowing children to immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of others.
Theme days and inter-school events, such as exchanges with pupils from other schools in Lausanne, are also organised. These events encourage interaction between pupils from different backgrounds, stimulating empathy and respect for others. The school places particular emphasis on diversity of origin and belief, and these initiatives enable pupils to see the richness of their environment and learn to respect it.
The importance of the school community and parental involvement
Benevolence and tolerance are not only taught in the classroom; they are also promoted within the school community. Saint Dominic Savio ensures that all those involved in school life - teachers, students, parents and staff - are involved in promoting these values. Parents play a crucial role in supporting tolerance education. The school organises workshops and meetings for parents, where they can discuss the values of inclusion, receive advice on how to deal with these issues at home and share their experiences.
Support for inclusion also involves concrete action. The school has put in place charters of good conduct, as well as the role of guardian angel, which enables each pupil to be accompanied under the benevolent gaze of a fellow pupil, thus fostering a fraternal climate.
Education for tolerance through community service
Saint Dominic Savio also encourages education in tolerance through community service. Pupils take part in voluntary work and fundraising for local and international charities, such as recently sponsoring the Anak association, which helps the poorest people in Indonesia, or when every week our nursery and first-year pupils visit the elderly at EMS Meillerie. These experiences enable them to come face to face with the reality of people in precarious or vulnerable situations, and to understand the importance of reaching out to those in need, regardless of their differences.
Conclusion: a model of integral and inclusive education
The Saint Dominique Savio school in Lausanne is a shining example of how a Catholic primary school can transmit values of tolerance and inclusion while providing a quality education.
