Intercultural Communication is a skill which is becoming increasingly important in the wake of political and religious divides in many parts of the world. Fr. General speaks about the importance of interculturality and it is indeed listed as one of the 10 Global Identifiers of a Jesuit School in A Living Tradition. This Global Identifier offers several examples of what constitutes interculturality from a Jesuit stand point “the worldwide Society of Jesus recognizes that inculturation and interreligious dialogue are essential components of its mission to promote faith and justice” (GC 34). [60]. It also states our schools way of proceeding in this regard “Our schools must be places where efforts toward solidarity and partnerships with all people of good will are encouraged and enacted. “Let Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life, acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians, together with their social life and culture.” (Nostra Aetate). [61]
The great news is that the nature of our Jesuits schools is intrinsically linked to a tradition of global companionship, global understanding, justice and collaboration. This global dimension is one of the key aspects which makes Jesuit Education unique and appealing to new generations. Students enjoy a holistic Ignatian education including the possibility of having interactions with other students and educators from Jesuit schools around the world.
To capture this global dimension Educate Magis together with the Admissions Directors at Brophy, Fordham Prep, and Regis Jesuit schools in the United States created an infographic highlighting the features of Jesuit schools, one of which is the global connectedness of Jesuit schools around the world. The infographic “Our Global Dimension” is a project inspired to emanate what is important and unique about Jesuit Education. In this video Brian, Mike and Paul walk us through the project and give us some ideas on how and where to use this practical, academic and inspiring tool.
There are two versions of the infographic. One is printable as a roll-up banner and the other is a HD interactive version, which you can download and personalize here Our Global Dimension Customisable Infographics. Both can be used in open houses, school events. Use the customizable infographics “Our Global Dimension” as a tool to increase your schools’ global dimension awareness and intercultural awareness amongst your school community. Moreover, the “Our Global Dimension” infographic used together with, for example, the Interactive Global Map of Jesuit Schools could help faculty and staff to find connections with other educators in Jesuit schools to work together to bring to their students a global vision and sense of global citizenship while also recognizing and celebrating diversity and thereby overcoming prejudices. Are there programs or projects in your school which work towards this? Is this something you incorporate in your lessons? Let us know by taking part in this conversation Interculturality in Jesuit Schools – what is it and is it important?
Jesuit education should strive to give equal opportunities for all to participate equitably towards their holistic development. Diversity and difference are gifts to be celebrated in order to create an inclusive society. God is the loving creator of all things, and in God we find our commonality and solidarity.” (A Living Tradition). [236]
