CIEE Extremism in schools - how to fight against it

On April 14, 2023, eighth and ninth grade students had a discussion about extremism. Mr. Paľuch worked as a policeman for 25 years and at the lecture he explained to the students what extremism is, how it arises and how it manifests itself. He talked about extremist groups in the world and in Slovakia. It's interesting how innocently it all starts and how drastically it ends.

Unfortunately, the issue of extremism is relevant even in today's modern and independent era, when we might think that expressions of hatred and the effects related to it belong only to our history. We encounter extremism not only in antisocial youth groups, often from a socially inappropriate environment. Extremism gradually found its way into the minds and way of life of many citizens, often well-educated, living in organized families. This seed of intolerance is thus sown in the thinking of their children and subsequently in the school community.

The central topic of the conversation with Mr. Paľúch, an educator at the Center for Children and Family Sliač, was extremism, which must be presented as one of the most dangerous anti-social phenomena. In addition to the basic explanation, he addressed the pitfalls and consequences of extremism and tried to positively motivate the students to perceive each person as a personality who deserves our respect and admiration. Although we are different, our diversity makes us unique and together we can achieve a lot if we follow the path of cooperation and respect.

Students of 8th grade were present at the lecture and they could openly communicate with the educator, who answered their questions and explained them everything connected to the topic. Students learned that creating a good cohabitaion and collaboration among people will create a better future for them and their families.