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Dear Colleagues, Parents and Friends around the World!
We live in a time when it is difficult for us to find moments of tranquillity. There are many elements that constantly distract us and prevent us from finding inner peace. Our children live in this same world and are totally unprotected from it, and this has important consequences for their health in the short and long term. We need to create safe spaces for them, where they can take refuge from this overwhelming influence.
Children possess an innate, unconscious capacity within themselves that allows them to connect with their childlike selves and to devote themselves deeply to everything they do, to their relationships and to play, which is their way of getting to know life and learning - through imitation. The possibility of imitating life gives each child a space of protection and freedom, which will not only have a positive impact on their childhood but will also enable them as adults to find what we are all looking for: moments of silence, listening, deep attention, authentic relationships and freedom. As María Zambrano, Spanish writer and philosopher, said, attention is the openness of the human being to what surrounds him and not least to what he finds within himself, towards himself. Imitation is the precursor of attention.
In this issue we would also like to draw your attention to our Annual Appeal to support the activity of IASWECE. The needs in the world of children are enormous and we need your help.
Please, do not forget to read the reports of the projects in Lebanon and Iran, countries as well as many others where children live in extreme situations that deserve our full attention.
With our sincere wishes for Peace and Love,
Lourdes Tormes
On behalf of the IASWECE Council
International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education
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