Last modified: 2023-06-27
Abstract
A concern that is often found in many schools or educational institutions is the lack of "the culture of care". What is meant by "the culture of care" in schools is that schools or educational institutions should create warm, safe relationships and encourage students to become qualified in all aspects holistically (mind, heart, hands) rather than just emphasizing the curriculum when formulating the vision and mission of the institution. Most of the schools or educational institutions are only a place to transfer knowledge or shape students into "success", as a result only the intellectual aspect (mind) is emphasized. Education is about the whole person (the whole being of the students). Educators focus only on compiling materials and teaching rather than building relationships with their students. There is no deep and intimate attention among teachers and students or students among students. This situation hampers the cultivation of values and character building.
Schools are actually an extension of parents to take care of their children. Therefore, the spirit of "the culture of care" which naturally and fundamentally already exists in the family as stated by Pope Francis in his Message for the World Day of Peace on December 8, 2020 should also be continued in schools. The relationship among educators and students, among students themselves, educators, employees, the school and the parents of students, and also the relationship with all creation is continuously fostered to become closer so that an atmosphere of brotherhood is created. School is an educational environment where everyone involved in it and especially students may grow, learn how to live, become more mature, be able to walk on the path of their lives. It helps students not only with their intellectual abilities, but also with the full development of their whole personality. It is gratifying that the Congregation for Catholic Education, in its document "The Identity of Catholic Schools for a Culture of Dialogue", article 36, reaffirms "The culture of care" that Pope Francis has said should be implemented in Catholic schools to instill a system of values based on the recognition of the dignity of every person.
In this document in the same article it is also emphasized that "the culture of care" becomes a guidepost at the local and international levels to form a society dedicated with patience to listen to each other, constructive dialogue and mutual understanding of each other. By implementing "the culture of care" in schools, expected that an atmosphere of brotherhood, care for each other strengthen mutually can be created. The school environment becomes cool and pleasant. The school is not just an institution but truly a community or a family. Such an atmosphere will make value cultivation, character building and learning more effective