In its 15th edition, the International Pedagogy Congress, Pedagogía 2017 (taking place from January 30 through February 3), is one of the most important of its kind in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Despite the economic crisis affecting many countries across the world, over recent years this event has continued to see international participation in the range of 2,500-3,000 delegates, which says a lot about a Congress which continues to be relevant and has gradually gained in prestige.
"There were attempts by various countries in the Latin American region to bring teachers together to attend international congresses to discuss the issue of education. However, the only one that has stood the test of time and has become the flagship congress is Pedagogía," states Cira Piñeiro Alfonso, first deputy Education minister.
"Others were organized at different times, but haven’t had the longevity or been able to mobilize the amount of delegates that we convene around our congress."
In its 15th edition, this international gathering of educators decided to bring together a large group of future teachers from different countries to meet and speak with students from two of Havana's pedagogical schools, in order to demonstrate the work being done by such institutions in Cuba.
A MOMENT FOR FIDEL
In the context of the 55th anniversary of the National Literacy Campaign - the first great educational feat undertaken in Cuba following the triumph of the Revolution in 1959 - delegations to the 2017 Pedagogy Congress visited Havana’s Literacy Museum, where they learned about the revolutionary concept of the campaign, and how it multiplied through international collaboration, with the development of the Yo sí puedo (Yes, I can) and Yo sí puedo seguir (Yes, I can continue) literacy programs.
In addition to the island's contribution to eradicating illiteracy worldwide, the Congress was dedicated to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, "to recognize the contribution of our undefeated Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro to educational efforts since the triumph of the Revolution, his permanent presence in every edition of the Pedagogy Congress, the decisions that he took and proposals he made at every moment of the event," emphasized the Ministry of Education official.
GUESTS & TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
As is customary, outstanding intellectuals and representatives from international organizations participated in both the debates and working sessions.
As well as Ministers of Education from over 20 countries (including Venezuela, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Burkina Faso, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic); special guests also included renowned Brazilian theologian Frei Betto and 2014 Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarti, from India.
Key issues, such as the continuation of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba; the regional educational agenda through 2030; and the continued relevance of the ideas of Comandante Ernesto Guevara, 50 years after he was assassinated in Bolivia; were addressed during activities which took place at Havana's International Convention Center.
Participants also discussed general concerns such as how to teach values, professional development, and the perfecting of public policies in the spheres of science, technology and innovation for inclusive and sustainable development.
A REVIEW OF PAST CONGRESSES
In honor of this 15th edition, for the first time event organizers put together a complete history of the 14 prior congresses.
Since its inaugural conference, the educational event has been considered a "Source of thought, unity and hope," to which the various forums, symposiums, and activities as part of the scientific program, and the 775 specialists who make up the Cuban delegation, have contributed.
The congress will end with the signing of various agreements and memorandums of intent, while organizers and participants will begin thinking about the next Congress in 2019, the teacher training challenges ahead, and how Cuba's experience can contribute to education both within and beyond the island. Meanwhile, each delegate will return to their classrooms with new knowledge, and a greater commitment to the new generations.
