The Conference of the Global Network of RSHM Schools was held from June 30 to July 4, 2024, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It was attended by 70 educators including managers, pedagogical consultants, principals and administrative staff from the countries in which the Global Network’s schools are located – Colombia, the United States, France, Italy, England, Mexico, Brazil and Portugal all gathered in Brazil for an international meeting focused on education. Bearing in mind the cultural particularities of each country, the aim was to discuss issues that concern all education professionals and that directly touch on the charism of the Congregation: what are the challenges presented in the 21st century for education aimed at forming critical, creative and autonomous individuals?
At the opening, we had the honor of listening to the words of Sister Margaret Fielding, RSHM Institute Leader, welcoming the participants to the Global Conference. She referred to the significance of sign and symbol, using the well-known local image of Christ the Redeemer, in calling us “to deeper and wider reflection about who we are today and what we are called to be and to do.”
Each day of the conference, the network of learning expanded with talks, round tables, workshops, panels and artistic and cultural presentations. There were fundamental presentations and activities: “Move into deeper waters”, with Prof. Francisco Orofino, “The Good Shepherd as a founding experience in the life of Father Gailhac” with Sister Maria Helena Morra, “Education for the benefit of humanity and creation” with Prof. Thiago de Mello; “Educating with Hope” led by Prof. Jane Rosignoli, with the participation of EJA teachers and students and “Prophetic and Transforming Education”, with Sr. Teresa Nogueira, Prof. Evaldo Palatinsky and Clarissa Paz. There was also a presentation by Sr. Cristina Bove about vulnerable populations. To complete the experience, the percussion workshop with Prof. Antônio M. Santana and the Round of Conversations with Prof. Fábio Conceição were equally inspiring. The Conference in general mobilized us to continue working with transformative educational practices.
The artistic and cultural presentations, prepared by the team of teachers from Colégio Sagrado in Rio de Janeiro, the Conference’s host, were very impressive. The “passinho” dance, the “samba de roda” and the beautiful musical presentation about the ocean provided moments to appreciate the art produced by the primary and secondary school students.
At the end of the conference, Prof. Susan Kumnick, Coordinator of the Global Network of RSHM Schools, highlighted how important it was to have this Global Conference in Brazil as it is an opportunity to learn from each other and thus, we transform ourselves and the world around us.
RSHM Brazil Area
