a collaborative booklet for the eTwinning project “Renewing European Values for Social Inclusion and Democratic Citizenship under the Auspices of eTwinning and Erasmus+ Programmes” (2020-2022)

Thoughts, Values and Hopes Shared for a Better World

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&nbsp; "Let’s imagine a world without selfishness, without fights and carelessness! For a better life, For a clean environment, For a better future, For a just world, We have to fight together. Tomorrow can be better than today, Love can be stronger than hate, Collaboration can be more useful than competition." (M. O., Romania)

&nbsp; &nbsp; "We all have something to say and no one likes to be dropped out, ignored, excluded. Our opinions should be listened to, even if we are young. What we say and do- our words and actions- affect the people and the world we live in. We make mistakes, we take wrong decisions, but we should stop for a while and think about the consequences. Together, we can succeed in making this world more desirable for the future generations." (M. P., Romania)

"Europe is supposed to be a place where unity in diversity is at home. For this reason, we should embrace our differences, cultivate them more than we cherish our similarities. A just world means everyone can be himself/herself, proud of his/her individuality, identity and personal fulfilment, regardless of nationality, religion, social status and even education." (T.S., Romania) &nbsp;

"Team-work is the key. Really difficult problems cannot be solved by yourself. Help the others with a smile, a piece of advice, moral support even with money and you will be happier: No mountain is too high for you to climb, All you have to have is faith No river is too wide for you to make it through All you have to do is believe it when you pray. (A. P., Romania)

"A better world is a healthy world with healthy people. No wars, no pandemic, no pollution, no conflicts. We have to save what can be saved and fight for the same goals. There are no enemies. We are all different, but we all have the same rights." (M.S., Romania) &nbsp;

Coordinators: Emilia Frînculeasă and Mihaela Neacșu (teachers of English at Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu")

"A just world for the people, but also for the environment, this is what I dream about. Let’s fight to protect our forests, the natural world around! Young and old, poor or rich, Respect the holly nature, Don’t pollute her! Don’t destroy her beauty: The trees, the flowers, the clean air; You need her healthy to be healthy So, be responsible, be her friends! (R. B., Romania) &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; "A better world implies tolerance, cooperation, understanding, love, peace and a clean environment. The world leaders seem to have other priorities. But we should make them forget about wars and economic supremacy. About social discrimination and false promises. Together we can make this world the right place for our grandchildren to live in." &nbsp;(A. S., Romania) &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; "A just world, that’s what we all want: for the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the sick and the healthy. Equality between people, the same rights and responsibilities, solidarity in times of crisis, this, my friends, is what we need." (C.U., Romania) &nbsp;

"The world is burning and the snowstorms roaring; the rain is cold and heavy, the wind is merciless Our dreams face the bad weather But they can’t be swept away." (F.O., Romania) &nbsp;

The following words belong to 15-year-old students enrolled in two classes and coordinated by two teachers of English. They are studying in the 10th grade at Liceul Teoretic Radu Vlădescu, a theoretical high school located in Patarlagele, a small town in Buzau district, Romania.&nbsp;They expressed their feelings, opinions and hopes regarding the future and they were inspired by the illustration below. They took some time to share their views on the future. Their future. Our future. The least we can do is listen to them. And think twice before we act from now on. (Emilia Frinculeasa, teacher of English)

<a href="https://www.fireflygathering.org/activism-social-justice-and-the-firefly-gathering">https://www.fireflygathering.org/activism-social-justice-and-the-firefly-gathering</a>

"When we look around us, we still see a lot of injustice. People don’t have time to help anyone or correct any injustice, no matter how obvious. But if we choose to do nothing now, tomorrow things will get worse. It’s high time we fought for our future. We shouldn't build it on ignorance and indifference. A world caught in these chains cannot progress! Be active, be brave, be just!" (A.R., Romania)

&nbsp; "If you walked in the street and found a wallet with lots of money, would you return it to its owner? If you do this, you are a just person because you choose to do the right thing. If you don’t, the word justice doesn’t exist in your value system. My point is that “actions speak louder than words” and that it is not enough to speak about justice. We have to defend it, to fight for justice even if it takes a lot of time and energy." (M.N., Romania)

&nbsp; "Acting together for a just world… What other nobler purposes can there be? Fighting together in the past helped humanity a lot. We really need to be united today with so many problems that should be solved without delay. The European Union is an example of acting together in the same direction." (S.G., Romania)

&nbsp;&nbsp; "It is not fair to pick up flowers If you never plant them back; It is not fair to cut down trees If you cannot replace them. &nbsp; It is not fair to take a life, To cause pain and suffering, It is not fair to do bad things When you can do so many good ones." (M.D., Romania) &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; "The world of the present, Is dirty and bad, There’s poverty and hatred and there’s pollution And no one to call your friend. We torture this planet, We steal and we kill, The world of the future Will be a just world only to regret in. So, let's do our part now, Let's be more inclusive and more generous, Let's open our hearts For the less fortunate in the world." (R.C., Romania) &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Together we can change the world Because we have the wisdom To discern between right and wrong If only they would listen. Together we can persuade the others, Let’s be a single voice, Let’s fight for justice in the world, For peace and happiness." (R. S., Romania) &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; "Every child deserves equal treatment and a family and to be loved. But there are thousands of abandoned, marginalised children in this unfair world. Hopeless children, starving, with no access to education, without a place to call home. Why are we so blind? Why can’t we see them? Why don't we help them? If we had been in their place, we would have wanted to be saved." (B.B., Romania) &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; "Every person dreams of living in a just world. But, when it comes to acting in this direction, we often say “there’s nothing to be done…” However, this attitude is so wrong. If we don’t involve in righting the wrong, there will be no future for those who believe in peace, tolerance, freedom, dignity and equality." (C.B., Romania) &nbsp;

&nbsp; "No one stays in my way. I can say what I think. A just world is a free world. The future is not too far. If you need help, you will find help." (D.N., Romania) &nbsp;

"Poverty, injustice, crime, unemployment, violence, lack of opportunity… only a few of the problems the world is facing today. I believe that we should all try to bring our own contribution to our smaller worlds: if there is truth and beauty in a person, there is truth and beauty in his/her home, there will be truth, beauty and peace in his/her community, country and, finally, justice in the world. So, if you feel blessed, give something back, show your support, share your wealth with someone in need, lend a helping hand..." (G.C., Romania) &nbsp;&nbsp;

"A just world is built with courage, patience and confidence. Even if you fail once, or you encounter difficulties, don’t give up your dreams. If you are determined, you will make each of your dreams come true." (C.P., Romania)&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Equality, equity and justice for the girls and women of Europe means that old-fashioned mindsets need to be changed. Gender discrimination is a crime against the incredible potential of women to make a difference, to heal and save this world from a lot of illnesses and evils." (S.V., Romania) &nbsp;

Thoughts, Values and Hopes Shared for a Better World

a collaborative booklet for the eTwinning project “Renewing European Values for Social Inclusion and Democratic Citizenship under the Auspices of eTwinning and Erasmus+ Programmes” (2020-2022)

&nbsp; "Justice isn’t done all the time. And even if all the people are supposed to be equal, they aren’t. There is inequality and there is discrimination in the world today and too many victims. If you don’t have money, you cannot be equal, you cannot have justice. Your freedoms, your rights and even your future depend on the rich." (E.V., Romania) &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; "A better life for lonely children This is what’s just for us, Let’s open our minds and souls, One good deed will be enough. &nbsp; Let’s hurry up towards the day, When their fate is changed, Let’s improve their lives, Bring a smile on each face. (G.D., Romania) &nbsp;

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&nbsp; "Let’s fight together for a right cause, For the innocent victims of this world Against the ones who won't do what's right, who want to harm our values, and destroy our hopes; The world cannot be spoiled any more, Its children cannot be ignored As if nobody really cared." (L.G., Romania) &nbsp;

"We are the world. If the world in not just, it is because some people are selfish, weak, indifferent and greedy. We can change the world of the future if the children are educated. Children should not only be told not to steal, cheat or do bad things. They should be shown how to do good deeds, how to express solidarity, empathy, respect... Learning to care, to share, to get involved in finding solutions to the problems of your community, to communicate with others, to spread joy, hope and positivity, to be there for your fellow human beings in need... all these are truly important. Education is the key. Ignorance is dangerous." (D.P., Romania)

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