As is probably true for many of you, the last few months have been so full of awful events and losses that it’s hard to put words to the horror. The bombing deaths last week of well over a hundred young girls at a school in Iran seemed emblematic of so much of the tragedy across the world. The children ultimately pay the price of adults who use repression and violence as instruments of power. In countries that are subjected to harsh sanctions, children are the ones whose growth and development are marred by lack of food and water, sanitation, shelter, education, and even basic security. When bombs are dropped and bullets fly, children often die or are seriously injured or lose family members; many are orphaned. When we deny the real effects of climate change, it is the children – the weakest citizens – who are and will continue to be the first to suffer.
All of the conflict in the world – as complicated as it is – boils down to the inability of grown-ups to talk with each other to solve what seem like irreconcilable differences. Instead, people use their resources and their minds and hearts to undermine the “enemy” and seize what control they can. From individuals to state to national and international leaders, there are fewer and fewer examples of people who are willing to concede a position or seriously listen to their opponents. Guns and bombs are used instead of words. Resources are cut off until someone gives in, which they seldom do. “Diplomacy” is a game of winners and losers, backed by billions of dollars in “deals” that enrich the rich across the globe and leave the children still hungry. We need a future in which people can use words and compassion instead of deadly power games.
The children of the world who do survive are our best hope for a more peaceful and positive future. I’m writing this short message to encourage and thank (an inadequate word) all of you who are teachers, school leaders, youth development workers, early childhood educators, and parents. You are the ones who are teaching young children to “talk it out,” to express their feelings in a calm manner, to try to see another person’s perspective, to be kind even when someone else is mean. With loving care and affirming approaches, the children you are teaching today may grow up knowing how to solve problems without resorting to violence and intimidation. They may be open to understanding that we can disagree and still live together in peace and harmony. Your work is critical to our futures. The children you send on to high school, college, and/or work/life have the future in their hands. THANKS for all you do every day to give us hope.