Conference Program

In the Senza Zaino movement, which is active in 800 schools in Italy, the System of Responsibilities (Orsi et al., 2016) is practiced daily. This system is directly connected to the values of Peace and Democracy. The theme of responsibility is, above all, the theme of care(Jonas, 1990). According to the sources, one is responsible for others and their growth even before oneself; therefore, the school has the mission to encourage students to take care of one another, including younger peers and those in difficulty (Doise and Mugny, 2016), by fostering contexts of resonance(Rosa, 2015).

As a result, it is not considered necessary to introduce new subjects dedicated to citizenship, emotions, or relationships. The traditional structure of schooling often fuels individualism, as grades, assessments, textbooks, and even the physical layout of single-seat desks are designed for the individual. This environment can cause students to focus only on themselves, leading to a lack of community and the sense of growing together Claris, 2013).

The System of Responsibilities, which involves specific tasks and commitments for students, makes the school a concrete community that generates opportunities for resonance relationships. This serves as an "antidote value" to prevent youth distress and prepares students for a future of Democracy, Peace, and Nonviolence From a systemic perspective of the Global Curriculum Approach (Orsi, 2016), this responsibility must also involve teachers and principals to build a professional community of care. Mutual aid among students must be mirrored by mutual aid among the adults within the school. Research (Hattie, Vivanet et al., 2016) indicates that such a responsible community is significant for the acquisition of democratic habits, helping to counter bullying, cyberbullying, violence, and individualistic behaviors.