REAIE as a member of the Reggio Children International Network, celebrates February 23rd as the anniversary of Loris Malaguzzi’s birth.
Malaguzzi (1924-1994), is acknowledged as the visionary founder of the Municipal infant toddler centres and preschools of Reggio Emilia. As we reflect on the legacy of this profound thinker, we acknowledge the relevance of his vision for learning and teaching in today’s complex world.
Malaguzzi was driven by a vision of schools based on democracy and equality…value based and relevant… in which children dared to think for themselves and (experienced) the conditions for becoming active and critical citizens. (Dahlberg, cited in Cagliari, Castagnetti, Giudici, Rinaldi, Vecchi & Moss).
Malaguzzi’s advocacy for children as citizens from birth, active agents in their own learning, his belief in teachers as researchers, collectively creating innovative pedagogy continues to inspire.
As we celebrate Malaguzzi’s birthday, we reflect on the legacy of this inspirational educator and his capacity to challenge, support and guide our thinking across decades.
Reggio speaks to those of us that ardently desire something different, another sense of belonging; gives us the courage and hope to be different, showing that there may be different values, different relationships and different ways to live. Hoyuelos, (2013). p 13.
Hoyuelos, A. (2013. The ethics in Loris Malaguzzi’s philosophy. Reykjavik, Iceland: Isafoldarprentsmioja, Garoabaer.
