Português Educação menonita na Colônia Nova: inovação, tradição e desafios comunitários

This article addresses aspects of the school culture in Mennonite schools, situated within the context of the 200th anniversary celebrations of German immigration to Brazil in 2024. The foundation of Colônia Nova in 1949 symbolizes a history of cooperation and perseverance, distinguished by the creation of an educational system aligned with Mennonite values of faith, cooperation, and community work. This study investigates Mennonite educational practices from their foundation to the present day, analyzing how these schools managed to balance the maintenance of traditional values with the need for educational innovation. The methodology used was based on Cultural History, with analysis of primary and secondary sources. The results reveal the importance of Mennonite educational practices in preserving cultural identity and community cohesion, highlighting adaptations such as the creation of work initiation programs and the "socialist" system of paying school fees. It concludes that flexibility and innovation are crucial for facing educational challenges and ensuring the sustainability of cultural practices.