The Catholic International Education Office (OIEC) published the book «Lights for the Road: A Global Education Compact». A work prepared as one of the contributions of the OIEC to Pope Francis’ call for a global educational covenant. It was prepared in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, between the months of March and May 2020. The book has chapters in three languages, English, Spanish and French.  Juan Antonio Ojeda Ortiz, fsc, Responsible for the Promotion of EC Projects of the OIEC and Consultant of the Catholic Education Congregation presents the book below.

Dear friends:

After months of arduous work while living this pandemic situation which has made us feel lost and full of pain and uncertainty, this book come to light. A book that has been created between all of us. Many people wanted to take part in it, but not all of them could. These who can participate and the ones that could not, we all feel called to complete, to develop and to put into practice the actions which contributes to “rebuild this Global Compact on Education” as well as Local. At the same time, we contribute to double the effort to improve the Education, serve more and better and be worried specially for the last one. We have not been able to collect all the contributions, but we could collect the majority. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope all these pages inspire you and encourage you into reflection, dialogue and make you to collaborate with others. The guideline for an educational alliance that can humanize people and society, making them more fair, peaceful and supportive while taking care ok people and the “common home”, with and active sympathy that reduces the pain of the others, healing, loving and caring them.

This is a book to complete and work on our own communities and contexts creating groups of reflections between all the different educational and social representatives. In homogeneous or heterogeneous groups (kids/young, teachers, parents, administrative staff, social agent), in suitable groups or with others (at the school or school network, with other catholic schools or not, with other public or private organizations). The most important issue is to find ourselves, dialogue and keep going together in order to appear a better education for everyone and with everyone.

On my own behalf and the rest of the coordinators of this work and the OIEC General Secretary, Philippe Richard, we would like to thank you for all your contributions and dedication to this book with your texts and your generosity. Special gratitude to SM and PPC Publishers, from Spain, who have edited and given format to all this work. We invite you to share it with everyone as well as inspire you all in order to keep bringing light into this path toward the compact and make us to act creating a new educational scene in the whole world without excluding anyone.

Yours sincerely,
Br. Juan Antonio Ojeda

To download the book please follow this link «Lights for the Road: A Global Education Compact»