INE participates in the “Heroes of Civics” symposium

The symposium was held on November 1st at the Sila M. Calderón Foundation.

Last Friday, Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE) participated as a guest panelist in the “Heroes of Civics” symposium, which was part of the week of government ethics. 

Non-profit organizations El Comedor de la Kennedy and Centro para la Mujer Dominicana were also invited to share their service stories with public employees. 

This space was created with the purpose of allowing public servants to support the work of thousands of non-profit organizations established in Puerto Rico that have a great social impact and seek the common good on a daily basis. 

For INE, it was an opportunity to share how the Montessori public school project contributes to the civility that society should practice. Civility is defined by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) as respectful behavior of citizens with respect to the rules of public coexistence.

Annabel Martínez, director of INE’s Academic Program and who represented the organization on the panel, showed those present different images of the Montessori public school in which civic spirit is practiced. She began by presenting how the children of Early Childhood work in their space and with the Montessori material available in the rooms. Those present were able to observe each child doing different tasks in common spaces, which requires respectful behavior from the students so that each one can work and achieve.

Annabel Martinez presents a picture of Casa de Niños, whose development stage includes 3 to 6 years of age.

Then she took them to a scene of students from Elementary II, in which the students were planning a field trip sitting on the floor in a large circle. This exercise develops civic spirit in them, as it helps them to visualize themselves as a group that must work together to make decisions, so that no one is left without their field trip experience. In the circle, they listen to each other and talk with respect, seeking the common good. 

Finally, Annabel shared a photo of a community meeting where students, families, school staff and community members came together to discuss the school they dream of for their children, grandchildren and Puerto Rico. Having these participatory spaces in the decision-making of a school undoubtedly requires respectful behavior from each member, where the common good and a good education for the boys and girls of Puerto Rico is the purpose that guides them. 

These were some of the images shared at the symposium, highlighting the impact of INE in making Montessori-like education accessible in the country's public schools. 

As a non-profit organization, INE has deep faith that with schools where civic spirit, shared governance, peace and good education are practiced, we can have a better Puerto Rico.

At the event, the executive director of the Office of Government Ethics acknowledged that NGOs are pillars of social work and contribute to the quality of life of Puerto Ricans. The event concluded by stating that the desire for change of the organizations is the determination to serve. 

Finally, the importance of the continuity of these projects was highlighted, which is possible thanks to the support of Puerto Ricans to these entities. 

A good time to support the third sector and its impact in Puerto Rico is Tuesday, December 3, when #givingtuesday is celebrated. INE invites every citizen to move towards generosity and allow these heroes of civic action to continue serving the country.

During the activity, people were informed about the work of INE in public education in Puerto Rico.