Dear OFS Community,
The current war in Ukraine has been a great shock and it cries out for a response from all peace-loving people of the world. Indeed, people across the globe have gathered by the tens of thousands in cities everywhere to express their solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and to reaffirm their commitment to peace and freedom.
As the founder of Oneness-Family School, I wanted to add my voice to the global condemnation of violence and naked aggression happening right now as Russia invades Ukraine. I also want to affirm, in the strongest terms, our school’s steadfast dedication to building a world in which all nations work together in harmony for the common good of our planet.
In the spirit of Maria Montessori, Oneness-Family School was founded upon the ideal that the world is one family and that humanity is on a journey toward a future defined not by domination but by partnership. OFS has always supported the values of the United Nations, and our vision has always stood for peace, liberty, and justice. Our school mission is to empower young people to speak their truth, discover their passions, live with empathy, and use their imaginations to create new routes to world unity and equity.
I believe in the progress achieved one day at a time, within the hearts and minds of each of us. I believe that peace is a verb, that is something we intentionally live each day.
I am proud that we have alumni students across the globe who are manifesting the seeds we have sown within our classrooms over the past 33 years. At times like these we cannot shrink from our obligations to stand for peace, love, and freedom. We cannot lose hope in ourselves, in humanity—we must stay strong in who we are, ready to lock arms with all those who wish to build a brighter world. We must lift up those who need our help right now.
In our Oneness Compass newsletter this Friday we will share links to ways you can support the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and surrounding countries. OFS will do its utmost to support those in need, and we call upon our alumni, friends, and partners across the globe to join in that effort. Also, in this week’s Compass we will share links about how parents can best support children as they are hearing talk about war and destruction.
I want to say that this message should not be construed as a criticism of or attack on the people of Russia. We have many sister Montessori schools in Russia and in Ukraine, and OFS has had many wonderful Russian families over the years, as it does today. The Russian people do not enjoy the same kind of liberties we do in the USA, and speaking out against this war in Russia can come with grave personal risks and costs. Therefore we applaud those Russians who are courageously protesting at this time, and we know that these times are extraordinarily difficult for all Russian citizens.
Finally, I feel it is vital at this time to hold in our hearts the other places in the world where violent oppression is taking place. While these places are not getting the attention that the current crisis in Ukraine is receiving, we should not forget the suffering that so many innocent people are enduring across our planet. To quote Martin Luther King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
I’ve shared a photo of our United Nations Day celebration from the early years of the school. May the spirit of Oneness-Family School live in our daily practices, actions, and words at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kutt
Found & Head of School
