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Youth UPF

International Day of Tolerance Observed at an Estonian School

Written by UPF - Estonia

Friday, November 16, 2012

Kose, Estonia - A presentation about the UN International Day of Tolerance took place on November 16 in Kose, a small town about 40 km from Tallinn. One of the English language teachers invited UPF representatives to participate as partners on the occasion, and most of the pupils from the 10th through the 12th grades assembled in the gymnasium for the program. Including and students, more 80 people participated.

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Mr. Johann Hinterleitner, Secretary General of UPF-Estonia, spoke about the need for tolerance among people of all backgrounds based on the unique value of each individual person. He also stressed the need for fundamental principles guiding people's behavior towards each other to avoid falling into the trap of "false tolerance," which could eventually lead to anarchy. The central question was: "How can we distinguish tolerable from intolerable attitudes and behavior?" Three central factors were emphasized:

  • The application of the Golden Rule,
  • Evaluating whether a certain action was for the benefit of the general public, and
  • Whether a specific action would be acceptable if the majority of people acted in this way.

When asked whether anyone knew that November 16 of every year is observed as the International Day of Tolerance, only one young man raised his hand. Now more than 80 people know it, and in the course of it they came to know about UPF.

At the end of the presentation, leaflets about UPF were distributed, and everyone enjoyed delicious Estonian candies.

Estonia: UN International Day of Tolerance

On this occasion UPF Estonia on 16 November 2012 made a school visit and gave a Presentation on this topic. It was in the Gymnasium of a small town about 40 km from Tallinn by the name of Kose.

One of the English language teachers invited UPF as partners, and most of the pupils from the 10 - 12 grades gathered. In total (teachers and pupils) over 80 people attended the program.

Mr. Johann Hinterleitner the head of UPF Estonia spoke on the need of tolerance among people of all backgrounds, based on the unique value of each individual person. At the same time I stressed the need of fundamental principles in people's behaviour towards each other and not fall into the trap of "false tolerance", which would eventually lead to anarchy. The question I posed to the pupils was: "How can we distinguish tolerable from intolerable attitudes and behaviour?". The three central aspects I emphasised in my answer were

    a) the "application of the Golden Rule"

    b) the evaluating whether a certain action "was for the benefit of the general public", and

    c) whether a specific action can be tolerated if "the majority of people acts in this way".

When Johann Hinterleitner asked at the beginning whether anyone knew that 16 November of every year is the "International Day of Tolerance", only one young man raised his hand. Now more than 80 people know it, and in the course of it they came to know about UPF.

At the end of the presentation an info leaflet on UPF and delicious Estonian candies were offered to all.

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