Today we experience ‘a comprehensive crisis’ that cannot be reduced to any single sector. Pope Francis says, “The pandemic has led us to realize that what is really in crisis is our way of understanding reality and of relating to one another.” Since education is essential for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable, fraternal and just society, and promoting global as well as national development, it can be a vaccine for the comprehensive crisis of the present era. Analysing and comparing the educational dreams of the Catholic Church as well as those of India will throw light on the paradigm shift that the global education system has to undergo. Education needs a paradigm shift – from ‘syllabus memorization to critical thinking and problem-solving’ so that we come out of the ‘educational catastrophes’ of the present era. We need a renewed commitment to education that engages society at every level. A discussion on the ‘Global Compact on Education’ and the ‘National New Education Policy 2023’ of India will enlighten our efforts to create a ‘renewed global educational system.’
I. Global Compact on Education
On 12 September 2019, Pope Francis launched ‘an invitation to dialogue on how we are shaping the future of our planet and the need to employ the talents of all, since all change requires an educational process aimed at developing a new universal solidarity and a more welcoming society.’ For Pope Francis, education can no longer be reduced to what happens in the classroom. We need educational strategies that give a chance to the transformation and above all to the humanization of the world. To this end, he endorsed a ‘Global Compact on Education’ ‘to rekindle our dedication for and with young people, renewing our passion for a more open and inclusive education, including patient listening, constructive dialogue and better mutual understanding’.
Fr Binny Mary Das
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