Another way in which the Swiss identity is created in pupils is through social education. Local history and traditions, customs, rites, folk stories and proverbs are taught to the pupils. This is to instil pride in the different cultures and to inculcate a sense of rootedness to the country. Pupils recognise the value of common traditions and spiritual heritage and gain acceptance of other cultures. They build very strong bonds with the school through sports, school outings, project work and student organisations. The strong bonds are extended to the community. Schools instil in pupils a sense of belonging and pride for the community. Community service is common among pupils even though it is not compulsory. Through the strong emphasis on social education, pupils develop a sense of attachment to the country and the community. Through social education, their social fabric is enhanced and the Swiss identity is strengthened.
Also, the Swiss identity is created by Swiss schools which help to prepare pupils for the way of life in the cantons by reinforcing the values and attitudes of a good and responsible citizen. One way is by giving pupils practice in decision-making. Just as adult members of a canton decide on community matters through a democratic process, pupils in Swiss schools are encouraged to take on social responsibility within a democratic framework. Teachers and pupils play a part in the school’s decision making process. For example, in a junior high school, pupils collected the required number of signatures to reject the school’s decision to cute curriculum time in the Arts. In this way, pupils are better prepared to participate responsibly in the democratic processes of their country. In this way, the Swiss national identity is created in pupils. They are proud of the democratic nature of their country and are aware of how they can contribute towards the country. They understand the democratic processes of the country and recognise that they have to play their roles as active citizens of Switzerland. In this way, the Swiss identity is created in students.
Lastly, the Swiss identity is created with the emphasis on vocational training in the education system. When Swiss pupils complete their compulsory education, they decide whether to pursue the academic path or enter into the vocational training schools. Seven out of ten pupils choose the latter. After the pupils have completed their vocational training, they either join the workforce or further their education at the technical colleges or universities. This ensures that the Swiss industry is not short of well-trained young workers. This ensures that their reputation in fields such as banking, engineering, technology and craftsmanship is maintained. Pupils are proud of the country’s achievements in such fields. In this way, the Swiss identity is created.
In conclusion, I would say that the multilingual policy in Swiss schools is the most important factor leading to the creation of the Swiss identity. This enables pupils to communicate with each other effectively. Language barriers are broken down and pupils come to respect the other nationalities as they learn their languages. Many languages spoken in one country is a characteristic of Switzerland that cannot be changed. The knowledge of many languages thus helps to create the Swiss identity as Swiss live harmoniously together. This policy has a greater long-term effect as compared to the other policies. Social education would not work as well had the students not respected other cultures first with the study of their languages. Instilling social responsibility, though important, is not as important as having all the nationalities respect and understand each other. A Swiss identity can only be created if there is harmony in Switzerland.
