School leaders' stand on violence

The European School Leaders have expressed their grievance and horror about the recent tragedy in a school in Beslan, Russia. This was done during the biannual conference of ESHA held in Stavanger, Norway. Present were over 400 schoolleaders from 21 countries.

ESHA's president, Mr Antonino Petrolino, showed his compassion to the victims by letter to the Russian colleagues.

During the meeting all schoolleaders indicated that they still are very shocked about the events. Especially the colleagues from Russia felt deep emotions. However they were very grateful for the support they received from all over Europe.

The text of the declaration was presented by Mr Pieter Hettema from the Netherlands and it was warmly supported by the assembly.

The text of the declaration is:

Declaration on Beslan

On the 1st September 2004, the first schoolday of the year, the world was shocked by the terrorist attack on a school in Beslan.

Our shock turned into deeply felt grief when, after a few days this hostage ended with the death of more than 350 innocent children, parents and teachers.

We, more than 400 school leaders from 21 countries in Europe, assembled in Stavanger, Norway, want to express our compassion with the school and community of Beslan.

We believe that the education of our youth deserves all the support, respect and protection society can give. Education is the heart of our society. This grave incident has caused a breach in that belief not only in Beslan, not only in Russia, but in the whole of the world.

Let 's stand together to restore the safe, secure and inspiring environment any school should be, and proclaim the one thing that is at the base of civilized society.

Don't touch our children - don't touch our schools!

Stavanger, 25th September 2004.

On behalf of all organizations,

Antonino Petrolino
President of ESHA
European School Heads Association