Perhaps the children will grow with a strong sense of being there for others and feel enclosed in a network of relationships and solidarities that are a source of security and protection. Perhaps they already identify school as a place of close affectionate interactions between adults and children, children and children, and adults and adults. It was heart warming to see how many of the children were so happy to be back at school. A few children were tentative as they crossed the threshold, perhaps affected by recent challenging situations and uncertain circumstances. But they soon sought out comfort in each other and played together. Many were absolutely delighted and enthusiastically greeted and hugged their friends and teachers.
The children talked about what is was that they liked about being back at school again and common threads running throughout the conversations were of being together with friends and teachers.
“ Playing with Isabella and Gwen. They like playing with me too. They are my BFFs. Best friends forever. You play together. I listen and I listen to their ideas. They have good ideas.”
“I like playing with mr roy. He has funny voices and funny words.”
“I like to play with Mrs Pittman. She's kind to me.”
“I like to play at school with my sister.”
“I have so much fun playing with my friends.”
“I like to play. I like to play hide and seek at school. With Isabella.”
“I like playing with Freya and Gwen. They are my friends. You are friends. You play together.”
We must help children form active relationships with the people and places of their lives, then they can set out on their own adventures and find a path of growth, strengthened by the sense of security . A community that takes care generates a mutual sense of care, and in turn the children when they grow up return this regard by caring for others, becoming good citizens of the world.