As we grow up, we learn that we are loved for our abilities but hated for our disabilities. This happens at home, at play, at school, and at work. Sometimes, this even happens with our doctors, especially if our disabilities mystify them or remind them of their own disabilities.
So, we try to hide our disabilities from people and from ourselves. This charade undermines our relationships and our self-esteem. We learn to fear society and hate ourselves.
Self-hatred is the most debilitating sickness. It interferes with our ability to seek and accept help. And everybody needs help. How do we free ourselves from self-hatred?
First, we reclaim our disabilities, whether society accepts them or not. This means that we learn to accept ourselves. Then, we cope with our disabilities. This means that we learn to take care of ourselves.
WHAT IS ‘EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT’ ALL ABOUT?
The concept of ESD is not strictly defined but open to interpretation. Not even UNESCO, responsible for the global Decade of ESD, 2005-2014, has provided a definition. They have, however, described the intentions of ESD by means of a vision saying that, “Education for Sustainable Development” is about learning to:
-respect, value, preserve the achievements of the past;
-appreciate the wonders and the peoples of the Earth;
-live in a world where all people have sufficient food for a healthy and productive life.
-assess, care for and restore the state of our Planet;
-create and enjoy a better, safer, more just world;
-be caring citizens who exercise their rights and
-responsibilities locally, nationally and globally.’
