Teachers from the Somorrostro, San Viator and San Juan schools gathered at Somorrostro at the end of the academic year to celebrate the Marcelo Gangoiti Foundation’s traditional Pastoral Day, a forum for coming together and shared reflection which this year focused on an issue that is particularly prevalent in our society: hate speech.

The session was attended by María Berlanga, Caritas coordinator for Vicariate I, who guided the teaching staff through a reflection on how stereotypes and prejudices are formed, what impact they have on social harmony, and what role the educational community can play in preventing situations of discrimination and exclusion. The talk provided an opportunity to analyse how certain messages, rumours or generalisations end up shaping our view of people and fuelling attitudes of rejection.

During the event, the ‘Argi Ibili! No te encalles’ strategy, promoted by Cáritas Bizkaia, was also presented. It aims to raise public awareness of prejudice and foster coexistence based on respect, fraternity and the recognition of diversity. Key proposals include raising awareness, training ‘watchdogs’ capable of identifying and challenging such rhetoric, and promoting meaningful actions that help transform everyday reality.

Rather than seeking immediate answers, the event served to prompt us to ask where we stand, what challenges lie ahead and how we can continue to educate through our centres to build a fairer, more inclusive and respectful society.

We at Somorrostro would like to extend our special thanks to Cáritas and María Berlanga for their warmth, their contribution and the work they do to help us see reality in a new light.