In the world of education, interculturality is a fundamental pillar to promote understanding and respect between people from different backgrounds and cultures. This not only implies coexistence in the same space, but also actively integrating and valuing these differences as enriching elements.

By recognising the plurality of different points of view and experiences, interculturality favours the formation of individuals who are open, tolerant and capable of interacting constructively in the globalised society in which we live. This not only enriches the educational process, but also prepares future generations to successfully face challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Buthow does interculturality influence education? Here we explain what role it plays in the early stages of education, the objectives pursued in implementing it and some examples of intercultural projects in schools.

Importance of interculturality in education: Influences

Interculturality in education is not simply a reality, but a richness that influences the holistic development of students. Interculturality in education seeks not only peaceful coexistence, but also mutual enrichment through the exchange of experiences and perspectives.

Interculturality in Early Childhood

From the earliest years of life, interculturality plays a key role in the formation of identity and understanding of the world. In the infant stage, respect for cultural differences is fostered through play activities and inclusive pedagogies. By interacting with peers from diverse cultures, children develop social skills and open-mindedness from an early age.

Interculturality in Primary School

Interculturality in primary education is implemented through the integration of curricular content that reflects cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and the creation of an environment in which the pupil feels valued. In this sense, tolerance and respect are fundamental values.

Good Practices in Intercultural Education

In order to achieve effective primary education with a focus on interculturality, it is essential to implement good practices that promote inclusion and understanding in a cross-cutting manner in all areas of the curriculum, enabling students to understand interculturality as a fundamental part of their daily learning. These may include the following:

  • Cultural exchange programmes: promote opportunities for students to interact with people from different cultures, whether through school exchanges, volunteer programmes or partnerships with international institutions.
  • Use of different educational resources: include materials and resources in the curriculum that reflect cultural diversity in a more respectful way. For example, books, videos and activities that represent different points of view.
  • Active participation of parents and communities: actively involve parents and communities in the educational process, creating spaces to share their beliefs, customs and experiences. This not only strengthens the links between the school and the community, but also enriches the educational environment through different perspectives.

Objectives of interculturality in education

The objectives of interculturality in education go beyond mere multicultural coexistence. What is sought is to form global citizens capable of understanding, valuing and contributing to the diversity of the world in which we live in order to lay the foundations for a more understanding, respectful and cohesive society.

Thus, interculturality not only contributes to educating academically competent students, but also global citizens committed to diversity and social justice.

  • Building empathy: promoting deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of people from other cultures, laying the foundations for harmonious coexistence.
  • Eliminate stereotypes: challenge and overcome cultural stereotypes that may prevail, encouraging a more complete and authentic view of each culture represented within the educational environment.
  • Develop flexible identities: encourage the construction of flexible identities, where students feel free to explore and express their own cultural identity without fear of judgement.
  • Facilitating intercultural dialogue: to encourage constant dialogue between students from different cultures, creating a space in which they can share experiences, ideas and knowledge in a constructive and open manner.
  • Promoting global citizenship: preparing students to be citizens of the world, able to contribute positively and respectfully to global environments and diverse communities.

Outstanding intercultural projects in schools

Good practices in intercultural education are the basis for achieving the proposed objectives and transforming the current educational landscape, promoting the construction of more inclusive and respectful societies.

In this sense, there are many educational centres that have been implementing different intercultural projects in the centres that serve as a reference in the field of education, as is the case of the Colegio Internacional Meres. From cultural exchanges to the incorporation of experts in cultural diversity in the teaching staff:

  1. Multidimensional cultural festival: Some schools organise an annual festival that celebrates the cultural diversity present in the student community. Each cultural group represents its heritage through performances, exhibitions and traditional food tastings. This promotes respect for differences and, at the same time, creates a space for sharing and learning.
  2. Intercultural Mentoring Programme: This project assigns more experienced students as mentors to students from other cultures who are new to the school. The idea is to provide them with academic support, but also to share their own cultural experiences, facilitating adaptation and promoting mutual understanding among the students.
  3. Intercultural theme days: Throughout the year, theme days are dedicated to the exploration of different cultures, introducing students to different historical, artistic and culinary aspects, thus appreciating the unique characteristics of each culture.

In short, interculturality in education is an opportunity to build a richer and more diverse educational environment, defining the way towards a future where understanding and respect between cultures is the norm. It becomes a transformative vehicle for building a more united and equitable world.