Developing an Attitude of Positive Tolerance Among Young People in Poland a Collective Case Study

This paper presents the findings of a quality study conducted in 2021 on developing an attitude of positive tolerance among young people in Poland. The collective case study method was applied. Five cases of educational institutions were analysed whose statutes provide for the promotion of the pedagogy of tolerance inspired by the teachings of John Paul II. The research sample comprised: The Centre for the Thought of John Paul II, the “Opus of New Millenium” Foundation, the John Paul II Institute for Intercultural Dialogue in Kraków, the St. John Paul II Youth Aid Foundation “Wzrastanie,” and the Association of Friends of Catholic Schools. The educational programmes of these institutions mainly address young people in Poland. The study revealed that positive tolerance, based on an axiological foundation, occupies an important position in the activities of these institutions. Founded on the teachings of John Paul II, it incorporates human dignity, respect, the common good, responsibility, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, and cooperation. The study revealed that educational initiatives were diversified concerning the content and methodological solutions, whose aim is to discover the essence of positive tolerance and its boundaries. These create various opportunities to get to know another person, show respect, dialogue, change prejudices, cooperate, and build unity in diversity. Young people are encouraged to engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue both directly and using the latest information and communication technologies that favoured the development of a positive tolerance attitude.