Reggio Children presents new charter for democratic education

Reggio Children has presented a new charter titled ‘For a democratic and participatory education’ following over a year of development. Presented at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, the document calls on partners and educators within the Reggio Emilia Approach® network to defend human rights and combat all forms of discrimination, including those based on religion or geographic origin.

The charter explicitly rejects war and calls for the condemnation of genocide, citing international legal conventions. It also opposes the militarization of schools in any country. The initiative follows a decision to postpone a visit from a delegation of Jewish school teachers to ensure the educational environment aligned with these values.

Local political leaders have supported the document, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between state governments and individual citizens. Supporters argue that while military propaganda should be kept out of schools, education must actively engage with the causes of conflict and hatred to help ‘disarm’ them.