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On October 5, the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) proudly joins the global community in commemorating World Teachers' Day, reaffirming our commitment to supporting, honoring, and defending educational professionals worldwide. Teachers are the cornerstone of transformative education, by shaping not only the future of individuals but also of entire societies through their efforts to foster inclusivity, dialogue, and peace.
This crucial work, however, continues to face unprecedented challenges. Educators are navigating environments burdened by excessive workloads and increasing mental health concerns while facing the rise of discriminatory and violent rhetoric in the classroom. Additionally, attempts to censor discussions on critical issues such as human rights, equity, and inclusion further undermine their efforts. These challenges jeopardize teachers' ability to create safe, respectful, and inclusive environments essential for student success and societal well-being.
Through its Warren Education Policies Program (WEPP), AIPG has worked closely with educators to develop interventions that directly confront these threats. In Brazil, the Citizenship and Democracy in School project has trained approximately 5,300 teachers and reached an estimated 159,000 students through partnerships with 17 of the 27 Secretaries of Education across the country. A federal government working group dedicated to studying methods to counter hate speech recognized the program's practices as a model for intervention efforts. Furthermore, in response to the rise of violent attacks in Brazilian schools, the Ministry of Education sought AIPG's assistance in developing a comprehensive strategy. Subsequently, AIPG signed an agreement with the Ministry to expand the initiative nationwide, with plans to train up to 500,000 teachers annually.
In January 2024, building upon the success of these initiatives, AIPG launched the Education for Democracy project in Bosnia and Herzegovina in collaboration with the Center for Peacebuilding (CIM), funded by the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation. This initiative applies WEPP's approach to foster dialogue and tolerance among youth in the Bosnian city of Sanski Most, providing local educators with resources to combat hate speech and discrimination, and promote peaceful democratic coexistence.
The foundation of this work was laid through consultation workshops held in May 2024, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including educators, students, and civil society organizations. These sessions, which also included the participation of a representative from the local Minister of Education, ensured the intervention addressed local realities and perspectives. Participants shared their views on the most pressing issues facing Bosnia and Herzegovina's education system, allowing the development of a locally relevant and effective methodology to promote democratic values.
Educators who participated in the consultation process underscored the significance of this initiative. One teacher remarked, "It is a very good first step towards change." Similarly, another shared, "I believe every minute I spent attending this meeting was well-spent, and you have started a big change in the education system of the country." Teachers also expressed their hope for the future: "I expect that together we can improve the state of the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, resolving conflicts through dialogue, education about democracy and human rights, and improving education in general."
On this World Teachers' Day, AIPG stands in solidarity with educators around the world. We remain committed to centering local voices in shaping educational interventions and empowering educators to equip students with the tools they need to challenge hate and build inclusive, resilient societies.
