Developing and encouraging altruism in the young

Altruism, expressed through the care about others and trying to contribute to their benefit is a significant objective in education. The aim of this work is to point our to the sources of a Itruistic behaviour and to the ways to encourage the altruism in the young. We analysed the role of some personal characteristics of expressing altruism, such as age, sex, some personality features and value orientations. We also discussed the role of the family, peers and school in the development of altruism in children and the young. We especially stressed the importance that the young take part in humanitarian drives. And we indicated some school situations that make an opportunity to encourage altruism, as well as the role of the teacher in directing the altruistic behaviour in pupils.