This is the story of Rebecca, a little girl with a noble soul who has earned the title of Standard Bearer of the Republic for her actions. Why is she so extraordinary? She made sure that one of her disabled classmates was accepted and best included in her class.
This is the story of Rebecca, a little girl with a noble soul which for its actions has earned the title of "Standard Bearer of the Republic". Why is she so extraordinary? She made sure that one of her disabled classmates was accepted and best included in her class.
Even Mattarella was moved by listening to what this special little girl managed to do, who at the age of 10, thanks to her noble deeds, became the youngest Standard Bearer of the Republic.
But let's start from the beginning. Rebecca Maria Abate, born in 2008, lives in Lucera (Foggia) and in her class there is a severely disabled girl. Unfortunately, we know, in these cases people with difficulties risk ending up isolated and children, often without realizing the situation, tend to play with each other, forgetting to include everyone. Rebecca, on the other hand, managed to create a bridge between the disabled child and the rest of the class acting personally with great love and generosity. It was always she, in fact, who accompanied her friend, to eat next to her, to help her when she was in difficulty, etc.
With this motivation Mattarella appointed her as Standard Bearer of the Republic along with 29 other people who have distinguished themselves as "community builders".
"The help she was able to give to a schoolmate with severe disabilities allowed her to get out of silence and to open communication with the whole class"
As the President of the Republic wanted to underline, the small but great Rebecca, thanks to her sensitivity and the love she dispensed to her friend, managed to create an open and inclusive environment where diversity has become an opportunity for growth for all and not a reason for exclusion or discrimination.
Rebecca's father, Stefano, better told how the friendship between the two girls was born. These have known each other since the second grade and already when Rebecca was only 6 years old a special relationship has been established between them. Her friend's instinct made Rebecca move from the desk every time she noticed any kind of difficulty, even if obviously there was a support teacher who could do what the little one needed.
Although the teachers tried to stop her instinct to help, Rebecca always did her own thing and continued undeterred to be, in every moment of need, next to her friend. In the end, everyone "surrendered" to so much empathy and the headmaster of the school reported the good story directly to the President of the Republic.
The parents of the disabled friend, who among other things is of Moroccan origin and for this unfortunately (given the climate of this period) further at risk of exclusion, are obviously grateful to Rebecca for showing so much love and friendship towards her daughter.
Also this time we have a lot to learn from children. We are sure that there are many other "Rebekahs" in schools and we would like to go and find them all. Meanwhile, let's learn from her the great lesson of love and kindness she offers us.
Read also:
- Helma: the teacher who carried the disabled pupil on his shoulder to take her to the school trip
- 15 children who hope for a better future
- 10 stories of children who are committed to helping others and changing the world
