Positive experiences in a time of health restrictions! Following meticulous preparations for the Mercy’s Blessing workshop in two different schools, Ms. Alvarez, a religion teacher at the European School I, and Ms. Ungeheuer, an educator at the International School of Mondorf-les-Bains, collaborated with their fellow teachers to conduct the workshop for classes of students in May and June of this year. They took care of the logistics and the translation of the workshop questions into Spanish, which contributes to the enrichment of the Unity Foundation material and which we welcome!

Discussion on the short film Mercy’s Blessing, during the students’ “life of the class” hour at the International School of Mondorf-les-Bains.

At the European school, the workshop took place in two 1-hour sessions with the 34 students of the two teachers together. At the international school, the session took place in one 1h40 session with a small class of 9 students.

Following the screening, one of the film’s themes, “sacrifice”, was discussed with the students, inviting them to connect the characters’ stories to their own lives around various questions, including “What sacrifices have others made for you?” and “What sacrifices have you made for other people?”.

A student’s answers to the questionnaire at the end of the Mercy’s Blessing workshop 

During the two workshops, a time for question and answer between the students and the Unity Foundation speaker then allowed for discussion of broader issues such as racism, the betterment of society and the role of each individual. Other questions from the students about the film and Unity Foundation also showed their interest and curiosity, including on the production of the film, the director, the characters, and the reaction of the Malawian government when the film was shared with the general public. One student also asked how she and her classmates could help Unity Foundation and we shared with them our wish that young people contribute to the betterment of the world in their everyday lives, through their actions and good attitudes. A heartwarming and dynamic exchange!

All students concluded their reflections with a questionnaire that allowed them to individually reflect on what they had learned from the workshop and to describe what they would like to do in turn to become “active agents of positive change”.

A student’s answers to the questionnaire at the end of the Mercy’s Blessing workshop 

Here are some of the profound thoughts expressed by the youth at the end of the workshops:

“I was under the impression that the whole world had the same equality and lifestyle than in Europe. The workshop made me realize how privileged we are and how important it is to reach equality everywhere. [I was struck by] the topic of how sexism still affects people, and how rich people everywhere have an advantage on poor people, especially in things as basic as education which will allow them a better future. If they don’t have an opportunity, it’s a horrible cycle.”

“Being an example to other people and try to do the right thing always. Also trying to think of others, not just myself, and helping them. But we all need to do that if we want to make a change in the world.”

We are very grateful for the trust that professors place in Unity Foundation and for their commitment to dedicate time to explore these issues with young people, so crucial to their development in society. 

We warmly thank Ms. Montse and Mr. Palomo, Ms. Ungeheuer et Mr. Decker for their initiative and their dedicated efforts to bring these workshops to fruition!