A reflection about: "To educate or just pass on culture?" At the begining of the Ignatian Year in 2021. www.andreamennillo.org

1. Andrea Mennillo
The Ignatian pedagogical model: responsible action as the purpose of
educating young people
Article
29th
March, 2021
www.andreamennillo.org

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To educate or just pass on culture? A question that, I think, is asked by any
good teacher or anyone, like me, who aspires to make a valid contribution to the
education of young people. Personally, I have the privilege of providing my
business experience to the growth of business students at Fordham University
Gabelli School of Business, a prestigious American university within the Jesuit
tradition.
In the year that celebrates the canonization of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the
founder of the Jesuit order, I see the educational values that he left us as a
beacon that is coming back into the limelight in this hectic and uncertain reality.
The purpose of the Jesuit methodology, in fact, is to foster the integral
education of the person, that is, to form men and women capable of living their
existence, both personal and professional, not in a passive way, but by
contributing to the welfare of the future society with their actions.
The fundamental stages of this educational approach start from the direct
encounter with experience, where theoretical arguments are mixed with practical
arguments; ending in critical reflection and discernment, that is, the ability to
make well-considered choices with responsibility and awareness; to arrive at
specific action, made up of decisions. This is the main purpose of the
educational model proposed by St. Ignatius.
An education of this kind is essential, especially today, amidst the experience of
the new generation of business leaders, whose preparation cannot be separated
from a continuous confrontation with realities, as diversified as possible. For a
business student, it therefore becomes extremely educational to attend events
and conferences with influential internationally accredited business managers,
whose contribution of life experience and professional activity is of great
teaching and inspiration. These are educational activities, typical of schools in
the Jesuit tradition, that allow young people to gain independence, self-
confidence and become proactive.
Each student will always be required to strive to excel as much as possible, but
to never stop at the mere expressions of notions or theory, but rather setting
goals to achieve them.

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It is action, accompanied by solidarity, gratitude and courage, that is the true
strength of Ignatian pedagogy that accompanies young and immature students
on their life journeys, delivering them as mature men and women and leaders of
tomorrow's society.
"Whoever was given much, will be asked for much." I always carry this passage
from Luke's Gospel with me. To educate, in my opinion, is also to give
something to others, helping them to become what they "could be".
Andrea Mennillo
Founder and Managing Director, International Development Advisory
Chairman Fordham University London Centre Advisory Board