OS DESAFIOS DO ENSINO RELIGIOSO NAS ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS PARA VIABILIZAR O PLURALISMO E A INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to analyze and propose strategies for offering the Religious Education Curriculum Component in an inclusive manner at the Municipal Unit of Early Childhood and Elementary Education (UMEIF) in Ecoporanga (ES), aiming to increase engagement and participation of all students, as well as contributing to academic literature in the field of inclusive education and to more effective and democratic pedagogical practices. The central question of this study is: how can the Religious Education Curriculum Component, taught in a municipal school in Ecoporanga (ES), contribute to greater inclusion in Elementary Education? As a hypothesis, the premise is raised that currently, in Brazil, public schools have, among some of their main functions, the important task of promoting citizenship, with Religious Education being the Curriculum Component responsible for ensuring that, in all its aspects, the school community understands, respects, and accepts inclusion. The study's justification highlights this researcher's academic and professional ties to Brazilian public education, as well as her desire to put her theoretical knowledge to the test in a practical environment, demonstrating a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of students and the community in general. Regarding methodology, the combination of conceptual and applied approaches, as well as the use of field research to confront theory with practice, reveals a thorough and thoughtful approach to this study. Thus, the dissertation seeks to shed light on an important aspect of inclusive education, through a Religious Education Curriculum Component that is inclusive and promotes cultural and religious diversity. Among its main conclusions, this study shows that through creative and participatory pedagogical practices, it is possible to stimulate students' protagonism as agents in building more fraternal and inclusive relationships, both inside and outside the school. This leads them to demonstrate small gestures of solidarity and mutual support in their immediate environment. In this way, Religious Education offers essential contributions to making Elementary Education a truly democratic space, concerned with ensuring equity and the full development of individuals in their uniqueness.