Tolerance and respect are the ethical and emotional principles that underpin inclusion in societies and school environments that are inherently diverse. These attitudes involve recognising the inherent value of each person and accepting differences (cultural, ethnic, gender, ability or opinion) without generating conflict or judgement.
For the young people in the project, tolerance and respect are trained as active socio-emotional skills, beyond mere passivity in the face of difference. This means developing the ability to suspend initial judgement and seek understanding of the “other,” which is achieved by strengthening empathy. The lack of these attitudes is the direct cause of prejudice, discrimination and micro-exclusion, which undermine the spirit of school communities.
The development of tolerance and respect creates a safe and welcoming school environment, where adolescents of any origin or condition feel comfortable expressing their identity without fear of stigmatisation. By learning to value diversity as a source of richness (in line with the horizontal priority of Erasmus+ ), young people become agents of social cohesion, promoting an inclusive environment where mutual acceptance is the basis for the full participation of all members.
Reference: Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley.