Intercultural principles concentrate on openness to the other, active respect for difference, mutual comprehension, active tolerance, validating the cultures present, providing equality of opportunities, fighting discrimination. Intercultural education places the other at the centre of relations. It encourages a continuous questioning of presuppositions, of things we normally take for granted and encourages a constant opening to the unknown and the not understood. In a process of interaction and mutual discovery every human being can fulfil himself or herself – personally, socially and globally. The educational relationship is based on the promotion of pupil empowerment to enable them to function fully within society.
Intercultural education can be designed to promote and to develop:
- a better comprehension of cultures in modern societies;
- a larger capacity of communication between people from different cultures;
- a more flexible attitude to the context of cultural diversity in society;
- a better capacity of participation in social interaction, and the recognition of the common
- heritage of humanity.
- Intercultural education is to promote pluralism, respect for minorities, foster knowledge about cultural backgrounds of minorities, develop cultural equality, supporte social inclusion mechanisms.
Sources:
T-kit: Intercultural learning, published by Councile of Europe