BWAP: Diversity and Empathy - Talk about Dysautonomia at Colegio Altamira
I'm thrilled to share a wonderful experience we had at Colegio Altamira. As founder of Turquoise Heart, I had the privilege of visiting this educational institution located in the Peñalolén commune of Santiago, Chile, on Thursday, April 20th.
Founded in 1967, Colegio Altamira stands out for its inclusive and diverse educational environment that promotes the holistic development of its students. In addition to offering preschool, primary, and secondary education, the institution places a strong emphasis on values and emotional education, aiming to nurture responsible citizens committed to society. With a team of highly trained professionals dedicated to academic excellence and student well-being, Colegio Altamira is truly a beacon of educational excellence.
One of the standout initiatives at Colegio Altamira is its inclusion and diversity program, which aims to raise awareness and promote empathy, respect, and inclusion among all members of the educational community, regardless of their characteristics or circumstances, recognizing what makes each of us unique and irreplaceable.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with fifth-grade students. We discussed the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusion, delving into the topic of dysautonomia. It's crucial for children to understand that we all have differences, some of which are invisible, and therefore, we must respect and understand others in all their facets. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization's report on disability, "more than 80% of people with disabilities acquire their disability before the age of 18," underscoring the importance of educators being aware of this condition and collaborating in its early diagnosis.
To conclude our discussion, the students participated in an activity where they had to draw moments when they witnessed diversity and empathy in their daily lives. Their drawings were incredibly inspiring, depicting diversity in heights, ethnicities, colors, preferences, or sports enjoyed by different individuals. Through this activity, the students were able to convey the message of diversity and empathy that was emphasized during our conversation.
You can view their drawings below!
Colegio Altamira's initiative to educate students about dysautonomia and the importance of empathy and inclusion is a prime example of how education can be a catalyst for change in our society. The shared experience between our team and the students demonstrates that we can learn to value diversity in all its forms, thereby fostering a culture of respect and understanding towards people with disabilities.
If you'd like more details, you can read the article published by the school here.
At Turquoise Heart, we're delighted to have had the opportunity to raise awareness and promote values of inclusion and empathy at Colegio Altamira. We'll continue working diligently to provide support and visibility to people with dysautonomia and other rare diseases.
A turquoise hug to all! ✨
