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Education in human values: an experience for life.
Social technology uses the methodology of Indian educator Sathya Sai Baba to teach values.

Peace, love, truth and righteousness. These are some of the ideals sought by the Education in Human Values, a practice that is becoming more popular in schools and universities. The methodology arrived in the country in 1993, through the Institute of Sathya Sai Education, and aims to establish character and human excellence. "Education in Human Values teaches man to fill your heart with compassion, speak the truth and dedicate his body to the good of society," said the president of the Institute, Gonçalo Vicente de Medeiros. "We believe it is due to the absence of these human values as the country goes through trials today," he says.

The methodology used by the Institute was established in India by the educator Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. "In 1968, Sathya Sai Baba noted that the Indian education system formed many doctors, but did not prepare them to serve the community, nor to attain the fullness of peace. Therefore created a method with universal content, which reaches to all individuals of all faiths in the world, "says Medeiros. From this experience schools were scattered, with the new teaching method in many countries. These schools ranging from primary school to PhD and Professor them is guaranteed to make examples of excellence in human values. "It is better to clarify the mission of Sai Baba does not include the creation of a new religion, sect or cult, but is intended to stimulate and motivate the individual in the pursuit of self-realization," Medeiros says.

integrated education

"By being complementary to existing education programs, the implementation of education in human values requires no change in major courses or curricula in schools," says the president of the Institute.

The Institute disseminates the method in events held across the country. "Through our lectures and educational material, formed multiplier methodology. It is difficult to monitor the implementation of it in Brazil, but we are always on hand to answer questions and follow up on education in human values, "says Medeiros. To achieve its objectives, methodology worked five techniques: sit in silence - for the understanding of peace; chants and songs - for understanding of love; stories with good examples - so the child starts working the unconscious; plus quotes and gaming groups.

In these nine years working in the country, non-governmental organization (NGO) has trained more than 18 000 people, at national conferences, seminars, lectures and other activities necessary to support the information and training of teachers and educators. The highlight is the city of Palotina, Paraná, where the methodology is applied in different areas and sectors. "There are people being educated for life, are learning to have peace and be happy," boasts Medeiros.

A city experiencing human values

In Palotina, besides being developed by the City Department of Education, the methodology is present in other Departments and mothers' clubs. "There is no visible improvement of interpersonal relationships and learning, among other things. It followed several stories of people who experienced an improvement in their life, they changed their attitudes towards family and friends," Medeiros says.

"Palotina lives a very beautiful experience, because not only children, but parents, teachers and city workers study human values," says Medeiros. Through regular classes, teachers of the Department of Education who have been trained by the Institute, develop human values with 84 students, the main being the truth, right action, love, peace and non-violence. "Human values can be used in any situation in life," says Medeiros.

Those interested in learning more about education in human values can find information on Bank of Social Technologies Fundação Banco do Brazil.