REAIE acknowledges the recent concerns arising from the experience of a visiting delegation to Reggio Emilia. We recognise the distress and uncertainty this has caused for educators, families, and community members who are committed to fostering environments of peace, dignity, and mutual respect.
REAIE stands firmly for the rights of all children, families, and educators to learn, participate, and flourish within educational settings that are safe, inclusive, and grounded in humanity. The Educational Project of Reggio Emilia has, for more than sixty years, upheld a profound civic commitment to unity, intercultural dialogue, and the equal dignity of every person. This commitment is reflected in the municipal infant-toddler centres and preschools, where children are recognised as citizens from birth, holders of rights, and protagonists in the construction of a more just world.
In response to recent events, Reggio Children convened meetings of the International Networks on 16th October to provide an opportunity for International Network members to engage in dialogue. REAIE actively participated in these meetings as we attempted to understand the complexity of the situation.
Following an additonal meeting of Board Members, REAIE requested a meeting with Reggio Children, attending with great respect for the long history of the Reggio Emilia Approach in navigating difficult times. The dialogue reflected reciprocity and transparency as an open and honest conversation was had, to share perspectives, and consider the implications for our Australian context. This dialogue reflected the deep care and advocacy that educators hold for the values that underpin rights-based education and the importance of maintaining respectful and constructive dialogue in times of complexity.
Reggio Children has subsequently invited members of the International Networks to provide reflections on the events from their local contexts. REAIE welcomes this opportunity for thoughtful participation and believes that open exchange, careful listening, and respectful engagement are essential to sustaining international relationships grounded in mutual learning and shared values.
In moments of tension or misunderstanding, it is vital that we return to these common principles. Children’s rights to safety, protection, participation, identity, belonging, and high-quality education are indivisible. They are not contingent on culture, faith, nationality, or geopolitical context. They are universal. They are non-negotiable.
REAIE expresses its support for all children, families, educators, and communities who may feel vulnerable, excluded, or unheard. We also acknowledge the enduring influence of the Reggio Emilia educational experience, which continues to inspire educators globally to cultivate peace through dialogue, democratic participation, and ethical educational practice.
As an organisation committed to rights-based education, we call for continued open communication, careful listening, and principled collaboration. Peace is built through relationships, through the willingness to meet one another with generosity, curiosity, and courage. We remain steadfast in our belief that education can be a powerful force for healing, solidarity, and the common good.
REAIE will continue to advocate for educational environments where every child’s story is honoured, where diversity is welcomed, and where all children can learn in safety, joy, and hope.
1 Comment
A heartfelt thank you, REAIE, for addressing these concerns and for reaffirming the principles that should sit at the heart of our educational practice.
I particularly appreciate the unequivocal statement that the rights, dignity and humanity of every child are universal and non-negotiable. They must never be conditional on a child’s religion, culture, ethnicity, nationality or geopolitical context. Every child, without exception, has the right to feel safe, valued, respected and that they belong.
Our compassion cannot be selective. Jewish children, families and educators, just as children, families and educators of every faith, culture and background, deserve to feel safe, valued, respected and that they belong. Our commitment to inclusion, dignity and humanity must extend to all children, all families and all communities.
Meaningful dialogue also requires a willingness to listen, learn and seek to understand the histories, experiences and contexts that shape different perspectives. It is through openness, curiosity and genuine engagement that we build understanding, rather than allowing differences to divide us.
If we are to genuinely uphold the values of respect, belonging, dialogue and peace, we must be willing to do so consistently, even when circumstances are complex or challenging. These are not simply principles we speak about in education ~ they are principles we must be prepared to uphold consistently through our words, our actions and our relationships, as we strive to foster environments of peace, dignity and mutual respect.
REAIE, thank you for recognising the importance of these conversations and for demonstrating a commitment to the courage, openness, careful listening and ongoing dialogue needed to uphold these fundamental principles.