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All men of every race, condition and age, since they enjoy the
dignity of a human being, have an inalienable right to an education
[5] that is in keeping with their ultimate goal,[6] their
ability, their sex, and the culture and tradition of their country,
and also in harmony with their fraternal association with other peoples
in the fostering of true unity and peace on earth. For a true
education aims at the formation of the human person in the pursuit of
his ultimate end and of the good of the societies of which, as man, he
is a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult, he will share.
Therefore children and young people must be helped, with the aid of
the latest advances in psychology and the arts and science of teaching,
to develop harmoniously their physical, moral and intellectual
endowments so that they may gradually acquire a mature sense of
responsibility in striving endlessly to form their own lives properly
and in pursuing true freedom as they surmount the vicissitudes of life
with courage and constancy. Let them be given also, as they advance
in years, a positive and prudent sexual education. Moreover they
should be so trained to take their part in social life that properly
instructed in the necessary and opportune skills they can become
actively involved in various community organizations, open to discourse
with others and willing to do their best to promote the common good.
This sacred synod likewise declares that children and young people have
a right to be motivated to appraise moral values with a right
conscience, to embrace them with a personal adherence, together with a
deeper knowledge and love of God. Consequently it earnestly entreats
all those who hold a position of public authority or who are in charge
of education to see to it that youth is never deprived of this sacred
right. It further exhorts the sons of the Church to give their
attention with generosity to the entire field of education, having
especially in mind the need of extending very soon the benefits of a
suitable education and training to everyone in all parts of the
world.[7]
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