That the strength of every state lies in the education of its people is not a modern concept. Every nation that wants to survive and, more importantly, succeed, needs to have solid foundations in its education sector.

Preparing the young for a future as an adult is not easy, especially if a comprehensive education is to be given, covering both the academic and social aspects.

There were dark years in the Maltese education system, particularly in the early 1980s during the Church-State battle over schools run by the Church, as well as the dispute between the government and the Malta Union of Teachers, which resulted in nine weeks of industrial action. It was a time when the foundations of the education sector were rocked.

It was also a time when the university’s doors were open only to a few hundred students, and opportunities to improve one’s knowledge were few.

Thankfully, those difficult years are over, although the young people of that era will never forget what they had to go through. Today, the situation is completely different.

It is no secret that the changes for a better system of education started after the Nationalist Party 1987 electoral victory. Over the subsequent years, the government’s heavy investment transformed the state-controlled education sector into one that provides ample opportunities for the younger generations to educate themselves in the best way possible and go on to further their studies leading them to jobs to their liking.

The university doors were opened wide and today the student population has increased to nearly 10,000. It is safe to say that all those who want to follow a university course – and the number of such courses increased dramatically in the last 20 years – could do so.

Institutions such as the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology – another 4,000 students – and the Institute of Tourism Studies have been opened to offer different opportunities.

This is because the government understood the importance of opening up new avenues, giving students who might not find themselves comfortable within the university system a different chance to further their studies in areas that could bring out the best in them.

Tertiary level education is, of course, the culmination of one’s education, and it would be pointless having a solid structure in this area if the primary and secondary years are not well taken care of. In this respect, no stone is being left unturned to improve the level of education given in both primary and secondary schooling.

Only last Friday, Education Minister Louis Galea announced the setting up of the 10 regional colleges that are meant to group schools in chosen areas, a modern system that is aimed to push the education system onto higher ground.

Added to this, the continued investment in the building of new schools and the upgrading of others shows the government’s commitment to give the younger generations more pleasant and up-to-date surroundings where they learn.

As Minister Galea said last Friday, a good quality education does not rely solely on modern buildings, but on the cooperation between the teachers, parents and the students. “We need all three to dedicate themselves to one of the greatest gifts and experiences we go through in life – developing intelligence,” he said.

What the minister said is totally correct. Teachers, parents and students must work together because, if one cog in the wheel is missing, then the overall result will not be good. Students need all the attention they can get from both the teachers and their parents, and must put in their own effort to succeed.

Dr Galea also stressed the government’s zero tolerance policy with regard to misbehaviour. Again, we agree wholeheartedly that discipline in schools is of paramount importance because it forms part of the building of the students’ character.

Today – and during the course of this week – thousands of students return to their classes after summer. We all hope that it will be a fruitful experience for each and every one of them.