1. The Meaning of the
Universal Right to an Education
All men
of every race, condition and age, since they enjoy the dignity of a human
being, have an inalienable right to an education 5 that is in keeping
with their ultimate goal,6 their ability, their sex, and the culture
and tradition of their country, and also in harmony with their fraternal
association with other peoples in the fostering of true unity and peace on
earth. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person in the
pursuit of his ultimate end and of the good of the societies of which, as man,
he is a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult, he will share.
Therefore
children and young people must be helped, with the aid of the latest advances
in psychology and the arts and science of teaching, to develop harmoniously
their physical, moral and intellectual endowments so that they may gradually
acquire a mature sense of responsibility in striving endlessly to form their
own lives properly and in pursuing true freedom as they surmount the
vicissitudes of life with courage and constancy. Let them be given also, as
they advance in years, a positive and prudent sexual education. Moreover they
should be so trained to take their part in social life that properly instructed
in the necessary and opportune skills they can become actively involved in
various community organizations, open to discourse with others and willing to
do their best to promote the common good.
This
sacred synod likewise declares that children and young people have a right to
be motivated to appraise moral values with a right conscience, to embrace them
with a personal adherence, together with a deeper knowledge and love of God.
Consequently it earnestly entreats all those who hold a position of public
authority or who are in charge of education to see to it that youth is never
deprived of this sacred right. It further exhorts the sons of the Church to
give their attention with generosity to the entire field of education, having
especially in mind the need of extending very soon the benefits of a suitable
education and training to everyone in all parts of the world.7
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