Interculture

Education systems implicitly impose a single dominant culture, disadvantaging young people from diverse backgrounds. This can lead to discrimination and hinder effective communication between cultures. In some contexts, intercultural education faces opposition from political or religious groups who view cultural diversity as a threat to national identity. This resistance can lead to policies that discourage multiculturalism in schools. To overcome these challenges, educational institutions must adopt proactive strategies, starting with the design of inclusive curricula. Educators trained in intercultural pedagogy are often self-taught. Yet, all teachers should be carefully trained in their professional development, as they may unwittingly perpetuate cultural biases or struggle to effectively manage diverse groups. A truly intercultural curriculum should: integrate diverse historical and cultural perspectives; include literary, artistic, and scientific contributions from diverse cultures; and encourage critical discussions on colonialism, racism, and social justice. It is the task of the pedagogy of the future—if we desire a horizon of peace—to orient schools and curricula to support bilingual or multilingual education wherever possible, incorporating teaching methods that are culturally open to diversity, perhaps even using narratives and oral traditions to bridge cultural gaps, thanks to the discovery of Others.