UMEC-WUCT COUNCIL - Chile, 2024 November, 11-15

 

A Brief Summary of the UMEC-WUCT Meeting in Chile,

November 11-15, 2024

- Julie-Anne Tallon

The 2024 UMEC-WUCT meeting marked a significant milestone reflecting a conscious decision to transcend Eurocentrism and foster greater global inclusivity by convening delegates from four continents in Chile. Hosted by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the event benefited from a welcoming venue complemented by the warmth and hospitality of Chilean hosts and an intellectually stimulating programme of events.

Keynote Presentations and Distinguished Speakers

A diverse group of thought leaders and practitioners offered insights into the landscape of Catholic education in Latin America. Thanks to advanced translation facilities, all participants could access presentations delivered by distinguished speakers, including:

• Francisco Calzada (National Autonomous University of Mexico),
• Ignacio Sanchez Diaz (Rector, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile),
• Pedro Diaz (National President, FIDE, Chile),
• Andres Carter (President, RED COL Bio Bio, Chile),
• Jorge Martinez (Universidad La Salle, Colombia),
• Jorge Radic (CEIS/Maristas, Chile),
• Kiyoshi Fukushi (Academic Vice-Rector, DUOC/UC, Chile),
• Guy Bajoit (Professor Emeritus, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium),
• Valtencir Mendez (UNESCO Representative for Latin America and Chile),
• Mario Aguilar (President of the Chilean Teachers’ College), and
• Macarena Boudon (Teacher and Ontological Coach, Chile).

These presentations offered an expansive view of contemporary challenges, opportunities, and practices within Latin American Catholic education, emphasising Catholic educators' collective mission to serve diverse communities.

Experiential Learning: Catholic Education in Practice

The conference’s focus on Catholic teachers was enriched through visits to local educational institutions. Delegates observed innovative practices in Catholic education at DUOC, which supports older students and adult learners, as well as at Marcellin Champagnat Marist College in Santiago and Colegio San Patricio in Concepción, both of which cater to students aged 4-18. These site visits illuminated the integration of Gospel values into educational praxis, providing practical examples of Catholic education's impact.

Collaborative Discussions: Challenges and Opportunities

Delegates engaged in reflective dialogues to share perspectives on the challenges facing Catholic education globally. Several recurring themes emerged, including:

• Teacher Roles and Formation: Addressing the shortage of Catholic educators, enhancing teacher formation, and deepening their knowledge of the faith.
• Teacher Wellbeing: Prioritising mental health support for educators.
• Inclusion and Equity: Ensuring robust support for students with special educational needs.
• Technology Integration: Harnessing technology responsibly to complement education while mitigating potential misuse.
• Mission-Driven Curriculum: Embedding Catholic mission and vision into the curriculum.
• Global Engagement: Equipping students to address global challenges and contribute to societal transformation.
• Historical and Theological Literacy: Enhancing staff understanding of key Church documents and the history of Catholic education.

Strengthening UMEC-WUCT’s Impact:

 Participants reflected on how UMEC-WUCT could enhance its efficacy and influence, exploring questions such as:

• Purpose and Measurement: How can the organisation’s mission, objectives, and measurable impacts be more clearly defined?
• Future Directions: How can UMEC-WUCT better support Catholic educators globally?

Strategic Initiatives and Next Steps:

 The meeting concluded with actionable plans to address pressing issues:

 ·         Questionnaire Development: Building on previous discussions, a questionnaire will be finalised to explore the distinctive identity of Catholic teachers worldwide, ensuring language accessibility and continental representation. (Roisin and John James will include CST. Roisin will liaise with Julie-Anne on accessible language for all. Roisin, John James, Mario, Teresa, and Bellen will work together to ensure the questionnaire is shared across continents.)

 Publication of a Collaborative Book: Plans for a publication showcasing Catholic educational leadership were advanced. Editors and contributing authors were identified, and a draft timeline was established. Contributions must be finalised by November 2024. (John Lydon, Caroline, Mario, Bellen, Teresa, and John James have said yes as contributing authors; Daniella will send a draft.)

Future Conferences: The 2025 UMEC-WUCT meeting will occur in Rome from 31 October to 2 November, furthering the organisation's commitment to international collaboration.

 This meeting reinforced the necessity of a unified, global approach to Catholic education. By embracing cultural diversity and addressing contemporary challenges, UMEC-WUCT reaffirmed its mission to empower Catholic educators in their transformative role as agents of faith, learning, and social justice.