About Us
Our educational approach
At Centro Educativo João Paulo II the role of the educator is fundamental.
We understand education as the introduction of individuals to reality and its meaning, following the educational philosophy of Luigi Giussani (1995).
Luigi Giussani was a theologian, priest and founder of the Catholic Movement “Communion and Liberation,” born in Desio (Milan) on October 15, 1922.
For our educational community, Giussani is a great friend.
From our friendship with him and others influenced by his educational style, the Centro Educativo João Paulo II was born.
According to Giussani, the major challenge in today’s society is the education of young people. He defines education as developing all human structures until their full realization and fostering a relationship between these structures and reality (GIUSSANI, 1995, p.).
Education, therefore, involves the complete development of a person—cognitively, socio-culturally, emotionally, physically and morally (SUCUPIRA, 2014, p.1).
The Latin root of “educate”—educere—means “to draw out.” Education, then, is about bringing out the humanity and potential within each student.
The educator plays a crucial role in this process, communicating a vision of life and inviting students to verify it for themselves.
Through classroom interactions and other Center activities, students become aware of their value and the value of others.
In this perspective, education is not primarily about methods or tools but about the authenticity of the educator’s life and the community itself.
At Centro Educativo João Paulo II, objectives, content, themes and evaluation processes permeate all aspects of life.
Freedom is a key element in education. According to Giussani (1995), there is an interplay between the educator and the student.
The educator’s freedom to communicate challenges the student’s freedom to respond and verify what they receive.
Through the presence of the educator, young people can also find a path for themselves, through the life testimony that is communicated to them. Educators have the responsibility to share something new with the students and the meaning of life.
“Do not let yourselves be carried away by life, but take it into your own hands and decide to make it a true and personal masterpiece!”.
Pope John Paul II to the Youth, 1985.
