I was initiated as one of the young pioneers of communism along with all other first graders in the former socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). The pioneer movement was an organization for children operated by the communist party of SFRY. On my induction day I wore a navy blue cap called Titovka embroidered with a red communist star. A red scarf hang loosely around my neck. As the young heir of communism I gave my pledge:
Today, as I become a Pioneer,
I give my Pioneer’s word of honor -
That I will study and work tirelessly,
respect parents and my seniors,
and be a loyal and honest comrade/friend.
That I will love our homeland,
That I will spread brotherhood and unity
and the principles for which comrade Tito fought.
And that I will value all peoples of the world who respect freedom and peace!
As we arrived to school in the morning we all lined up in front of the school’s main entrance. We waited patiently for the school bell to signal that we could enter the school. When the bell rang everyone proceeded immediately to their classes. When the teacher walked into the classroom all students stood up from their seats and greeted the teacher in unison: “Good morning Mr./Ms.________!” We also respected our authoritarian communist leader Marshal Tito by singing: “Comrade Tito, we promise that we will not steer away from your communist pathway“ Tito’s picture hang on the wall in front of the classroom and above the blackboard to remind us that we are his little communist followers.
Being a pioneer of communism meant that we had various social duties in the school almost every day. Some days the students would help out in the school’s garden by planting flowers, weeding the garden and watering the plants. Other days we would pick up the garbage around the school and in the community. Before lunch a group of students from one homeroom class would help prepare lunch for all the students. During lunch time another group of students from a different homeroom class would serve the lunch. After lunch a third group of students from would stay behind and clean up. All of this was somehow fitted into our schedule since it was part of what we called “a young pioneer’s social duty.” After all, we swore to study and work tirelessly.
The young pioneers also had duties in class. I was the class hygienist. Every day I would inspect my comrades to make sure that their nails and ears looked clean, that their uniforms were also clean and that they brought their gym clothes.
Some students arrived to class early to wash the blackboards and to make sure that the classroom was presentable for the teacher and their comrades. During winter months we had no central heating. Instead, every classroom had a wood-burning stove. The senior students would come in early and help the custodial staff to start the fire in the morning so that the classrooms would be at a comfortable temperature for the students. Students had equal responsibility for the school as did the school staff. There was mutual respect and unity.
I do not remember any of my peers complaining about any of our duties. We gave our word of honour, and that was it! Social responsibility was embedded in the fabric of our communist education system.
I ask my fellow colleagues, to what extent is social responsibility being weaved into the fabric of our democratic education system? Are we educating our students to be socially responsible, and what does that look like in the 21st century? Have you seen what our cafeterias look like after the students have finished eating their lunch? Have you heard a student say: “It’s the janitor’s job!” Where is the respect for our custodial staff? What can we as teachers do to better educate our students about respect, unity and social responsibility?
I am a democratic teacher who was educated for the first eight years in the socialist communist school system of the former socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia. I recognize that some of the social duties that the young pioneers performed would be deemed unethical by today’s democratic standards (ie. having a class hygienist). However, could our democratic school system learn something from the socialist/communist system when it comes to social responsibility?
Image Credits:
http://www.vukovarac.net/foto/albums/userpics
By: Graham on February 10, 2010 at 6:17 pm
A lot to think about here. I think that it is clear that our student have lost touch with social responsibility, although I would not blame them for that. We (parents, teachers, etc.) have slowly but surely asked less and less of students until they actually believe that should not have to be active contributors – as if “contribution” is something that adults do.
I think that as teachers we can do some good on the small scale of our classrooms by trying to embed social responsibility into our expectations. However, we need systematic change to influence the students outside of our classrooms (e.g. in the cafeteria).
By: treble4mi on February 15, 2010 at 8:27 pm
I agree with Graham, but how do we go about doing that without jeopardizing much of our time/focus on teaching the curriculum?
I tried modelling – by that I mean telling students what I participated in when I was a student etc. to let them know about the positive outcomes that can result from social contribution and that it is possible to balance between school work and social work with a bit of good time management.
I also tried implementing a late treaty with my SNC2P that they have to pick up a piece of garbage on the school floor and put it in the class garbage can before coming into class. This works well so far … but I wonder how I should respond when a student single-mindedly refuses to abide the treaty??
By: mkrstovic on February 15, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Thanks for your comment Dao. It’s always a challenge when students refuse to abide by the rules, or when they disrespect authority, or take advantage of teacher’s kindness…although most of our students are good and respectful, there is still a small percent of those who are “socially and morally irresponsible” for whatever reasons – some of them have been misplaced and do need professional assistance, but this is even a smaller representation. I think your idea of modelling is great and that’s really one of the smiplest things we can do as adults – to model social responsibility.
Mirjan