Promoting Inclusivity and Peace in Education: A Parent Concern

OPINION: Promoting Inclusivity and Peace in Education

Dear YRDSB Director of Education,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding your recent communication to families titled "Terrorism and Violence in Israel." As a parent and someone who has personally experienced the consequences of war, discrimination, and injustice, I find it troubling that your message does not align with the Canadian principle that "Every Child Matters."

The recent conflicts in Libya, Yemen, Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan have left many children killed, homeless, or as refugees. In the past few days, we have been saddened by the tragic earthquake in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of over 2500 people. Additionally, we were shocked by the violence against civilians in Israel due to Hamas's attack. While I have always been a proponent of peace and have followed news about the ongoing conflict in the region, including the Gaza Strip, I am deeply overwhelmed that this is the first time we are receiving messages about such a situation. It is essential not to forget the innocent lives lost due to the senselessness of this conflict in Gaza and Palestine as well.

As a concerned citizen, I believe it is our duty to remind ourselves that the principle "Every Child Matters" will remain hollow unless we actively demonstrate it in our daily actions. I contemplated postponing this message, but I couldn't help but ask, why do we educate our children if tomorrow is destined to be a repetition of today's troubles? I sincerely hope for a future where peace reigns in every corner of the world. However, achieving this goal will only be possible if we instill in our children the vision of a world free from the ravages of war.

As an educator, you have the opportunity to make an inclusive gesture that exemplifies the "Every Child Matters" motto. Let us remember that our actions speak louder than our words. Our children are watching, remembering, and history will judge us.

I believe that your message could have been written more just and inclusive.

Sincerely,

Mandana Jafarian

*YRDSB: York Region District School Board

#everychildmatters

The resemblance of storytelling and daydreaming

 This is another compelling idea from Ryka. Another astonishing conversation.

  Yesterday in the Science Centre he took me to a new section for "relaxing and meditation" as per his description. Once we sat inside the section, we were guided by this audio recorded voice that guided us to have an imaginary experience of deep diving for a bit over 2 minutes. It was similar to a guided meditation followed by deep inhales and exhales.  

   Ryka was excited - as usual- of his new discovery and then by my company. Once out of the section, he was telling me that "it was like daydreaming except that someone else was putting the ideas in our minds". 

Huh. Amazing, I thought. Amazing. 

Then I told him "what about we repeat it at home, this time you close your eyes and I will be the voice in your head, I will do the talk and then we switch. You talk and I will listen. Would it be the same?"

He laughed. "It will be like storytelling, Maman!"

I am gonna say no more. I had never looked at this the same way. This little guy is a pure joy in my life. I am extremely lucky to have him around. 

Understanding the age

Ryka listening to the news tells me: "you were not even born when she was 50!" 

I: "Nope! not even when she was my age!" 

We look at each other with big smiles.

I think he compares me to the oldest people he knows to make sure I am not that old -or perhaps far away from death yet.

I am happy he used Queen Elizabeth II as a measure for understanding how old I am!