13/05/2021
Should students be held legally responsible for bullying in schools?
Is it appropriate for the government to limit the freedom of speech to its citizens?
These were the 2 questions discussed (in English) by children of the age of 10 to 13 years old (Grade 5, 6, 7) in an online public debate. In a time when critical thinking, creativity, and oracy skills are neglected, even absent in mainstream educational systems, it is refreshing to see that some schools such as Saulės gojus still value these competencies by providing a safe environment for both students and teachers to express themselves. It feels great to be part of such a team.
I believe that children from the age of 5 years old can have an opinion on the most serious topics as long it’s approached with care and sensitivity. Parents were truly “proud”, “positively shocked’’, or “blown away” by their children’s ability to think critically on such complex issues and also by their facility to communicate their opinion in such eloquent manner. It was indeed impressive, and I believe most children can achieve such a level when provided the adequate educational space and tools to make them grow academically and socially. Let’s hope for a positive change in our educational system, not only in Lithuania, but on a global scale.
