On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is commemorated every 3 December, Gaztelueta has developed a pedagogical initiative aimed at the first cycle of Primary Education with the aim of promoting a genuine culture of inclusion and respect for diversity among pupils.
Under the slogan We are all different, The activity consisted of a series of talks led by three Baccalaureate students - Asís, Julen and Pablo - who shared their personal experience and their vision of coexistence, empathy and the value of diversity in school life with the children.
The day was based on an audiovisual and participatory approach, adapting the content to the age of each class. To this end, each session began with the screening of a specific resource that served as a starting point for reflection and dialogue in the classroom. In PEP 4, the animated short film Four little corners of nothing allowed them to work on the idea of barriers and the importance of feeling accepted. In PEP 5, the illustrated story Lorenzo's dipper helped to understand that there are invisible difficulties and that we all need support at some point. In tPEP 6, the film trailer Wonder opened a space to talk about physical differences, self-acceptance and kindness.
After each screening, a space for dialogue was created in which the students, guided by the Baccalaureate students, analysed the situations presented, identified positive behaviours and reflected on attitudes that favour respectful coexistence. Asís, Julen and Pablo connected with the primary school pupils through a close language and concrete examples, allowing the younger ones to participate actively and share their own experiences.
The central message of the talk revolved around one key idea: we are all different and that diversity is a richness. The speakers explained that differences are part of the human condition and can manifest themselves in many ways, from physical traits such as height, hair colour or the use of glasses, to different abilities, sensitivities or difficulties in certain areas.
One of the main themes of the session was the promotion of empathy and mutual help. The Baccalaureate students insisted on the importance of learning to put themselves in the place of others and to be attentive to the needs of their classmates. Through examples very close to the children's reality, they encouraged them to practice simple gestures of inclusion, such as approaching to play with a classmate who is alone at recess or taking an interest in a child who is sad to offer support and company.
The talk concluded by reinforcing the importance of mutual respect, collaboration and care for personal relationships. The speakers emphasised how help among peers and respect for each other's tastes and rhythms facilitate coexistence and make possible a shared game in which everyone feels part of the group.
The final message was unanimous and deeply educational: diversity is enriching and we all have positive qualities. Beyond the differences, we all share dreams, goals, hobbies, likes and dislikes and the desire to be with our family and friends. The activity underlined the importance of building an educational community where no one is excluded for being different and where every student feels valued and respected.
With initiatives like this, Gaztelueta reinforces its commitment to a comprehensive education that puts the person at the centre, fosters empathy and promotes coexistence based on respect, inclusion and care for others.
