Cultural Diversity and Social Education

Abstract

The article discusses Social Education as a tool for respecting cultural diversity and human dignity. It argues that Social Pedagogy transcends the school environment, encompassing contexts of social vulnerability. The Law of Directives and Bases of National Education (LDB) in Brazil expanded the vision on educational processes, recognizing education as a social phenomenon. Social diversity, essential for innovation and tolerance, also faces challenges such as discrimination and exclusion. Cultural diversity, impacted by colonialism and globalization, faces challenges of homogenization but should be valued as a factor of social inclusion. Intercultural education tends to promote acceptance, listening, and dialogue. UNESCO highlights its importance for social cohesion. Inclusive policies and diversified curricula are strategies to strengthen diversity. Within this line emerged the "Portuguese Language for Migrants and Refugees" project from UCB, which exemplifies the application of Social Education, promoting linguistic and cultural inclusion. Language teaching contributes to the integration and exercise of citizenship of migrants, being a means to overcome social barriers. The project involves volunteer students and externals, who participate in classes and intercultural activities. These actions favor collaborative and problematizing learning, promoting respect for otherness. Social pedagogy, in this context, strengthens human dignity, highlighting education as a fundamental right. The meeting of cultures provides a more tolerant and inclusive environment, favoring democratic coexistence and the construction of a more just and supportive society.