Solidarity: One of the Greatest Lessons of Coronavirus

Solidarity, one of the greatest lessons of coronavirus

Education and learning are issues that cause a lot of controversies. People are constantly debating about what the objectives should be, how education should be organized, and how it should take place.

However, at this time, there’s an aspect that parents and education specialists are beginning to agree on. And it has to do with the importance of practice and experience when it comes to learning new knowledge.

And with that in mind, the situation that the entire world is going through today is something we could never comprehend without experiencing it for ourselves. We’ve had to face an extreme experience so that we, as humans, can really understand the meaning of solidarity. What’s more, we can comprehend what this word means and how it benefits all of us.

Within a varied curriculum, educators insist on teaching children and adolescents lessons related to values. And among these values, the idea of solidarity is fundamental. Therefore, teachers plan their classes, lessons, and workshops with this in mind. And this doesn’t just go for students, but for society in general. Never could we have imagined that we were going to learn about solidarity in such a practical and first-hand way.

So, we’ll all learning by experience how to apply the concept of solidarity to real life. In theory, solidarity has always meant the unconditional support of the interests and causes of others… especially those in difficult or complicated situations. But coronavirus has brought the concept closer to home. It’s no longer just about others, it’s about all of us.

What does coronavirus teach us about solidarity?

Some of the clearest and greatest lessons about solidarity that coronavirus teaches us are the following:

• We all depend on one another, and every individual act has a direct effect on others and on us as well.
• We shouldn’t underestimate the power of people to do things together. On occasion, it’s the only strategy that will allow us to reach our objective.
• No one is infinite, immortal, superior, or “the best.” And what I have today and that which makes me feel safe can disappear in a second. What’s more, it’s true that, at some time in our lives, we all need the hands and gestures of others to carry on.
• We need to understand that true solidarity must be based on sensitivity and empathy. It’s built on the possibility of improving the lives and circumstances of those in need… Regardless of color, age, ability, or economic status.
• Accumulating material goods, money, houses, cars, and clothing is worthless. In the end, all we take away from this life are the times we spend with friends and family.

Reflecting upon what coronavirus is teaching us

In the face of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 coronavirus, we need to reflect in a number of ways as a society… both individually and collectively. We must reflect on the importance of caring for the planet and building an effective health system for all.

At the same time, we must guarantee the protection of the most vulnerable members and sectors of our society. In other words, the elderly, children, the disabled, the poor, etc.

What’s more, we can’t neglect the security and protection of those individuals who work to cover our basic needs as citizens. Not only medical staff, but police officers, garbage collectors, grocery store staff, and so many others.

Without a doubt, the greatest lesson that coronavirus is teaching us is solidarity. But we have yet to pass the final exam. To do so, we must all learn to support one another, in our current circumstances and always.

One day, we’ll have overcome coronavirus and regained the freedom to move about. We’ll resume our social interactions and our everyday lives. But when that happens, may we never forget what we’ve learned about solidarity. And may we never isolate ourselves again – not only physically, but in our own selfishness, insecurity, racism, inflexibility, options, and senseless wars.

May we continue, as a society, to act today and always on the basis of solidarity. And may we see that the world that is of all and for all is a world where people need and depend on one another.