Whether it was last Monday or the next, the younger generation of a 42-year-old Malta has, for the first time or once again returned to its desks in preparation of life. Schools have re-opened their doors. Junior College, sixth forms, University, MCAST and other tertiary education institutions are once again buzzing with life and, for the students themselves, new horizons are there to be tackled and won over. The world of lifelong learning and preparation is there waiting for them. They are called upon to discover not only the knowledge affordable but perhaps even the unexpected.

The formation of our students will reflect, in no small way, on the country’s capabilities to have properly trained employees in the various sectors of the economy, which an ever changing market will require. Both the Education Department and the various teaching colleges and institutions have taken up the challenge. This is reflected in the plethora of different courses which are on offer. 30 years ago, in my university days, most of that taught today had not even been thought out. What we offer today must not only meet the present requirements but must also be able to indicate in a positive way our preparedness for tomorrow.

A lot is expected from the government in this regard. And in reply to this demand the Education Minister, Dr Louis Galea leaves no stone unturned in order to address this situation. Though possibly the elder within the Cabinet benches, his ever young and innovative ideas regarding the future of education tend to augur well for the future of our children and younger generation. Preparedness will be our weapon and on-going learning our strategy.

This constant evolution is tantamount to an ongoing revolution. This peaceful revolution in our education system does not demand the death of our young or the shedding of their blood but their full attention and commitment in their formation years. As Minister Galea stresses, the young generation’s commitment is not just to the traditional subjects that are considered to be the backbone of the classic curriculum but also to the innovative subjects as well as the attaining of the all important life skills they will require in the future. The preparation of students today means the opening up of all avenues leading to lifelong learning, including that of enjoying their schooling and having fun too.

Perhaps one of the more difficult aspects of teaching today is convincing the younger generation, even those in the first years of school, that learning does not stop at the end of their secondary education or upon attaining their first diploma or degree. They must accept that in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow, one must be prepared to keep on studying study even during the years when one is expected to channel most of his energies and capabilities to meeting the demands of family life and full employment.

The lifelong education process must also reflect today’s need for job mobility which is more obvious in the current changing economic climate developing.

Looking back at the past 42 years, one cannot but reflect upon the country’s recent history and the changes which the working force has had to endure. Changes that needed to be identified and tackled as the economy of the country underwent radical changes. The first change was perhaps brought about by the fact that the whole economy was initially totally orientated towards the servicing of the British Forces stationed in Malta and the docking works provided by UK naval vessels.

Thankfully at the time, immediately prior to and after Independence, one great statesman in the form of Dr George Borg Olivier stood out from the crowd and implemented policies reflecting his vision for Malta – changing from a defence-orientated economy to a free market where private enterprise would take a leading role both in the industrial and tourism sectors. Over the years different governments had divergent visions, with Labour opting for a government-controlled economy which unfortunately created all kinds of problems and hurdles for the private entrepreneur.

The Nationalist administration, now practically in government since May 1987 (with the exception of an uneventful blockage of 22 months between 1996 and 1998) not only returned to the ideals promoted by Dr Borg Oliver, but reflected on the matter and came up with ambitious solutions to meet the economic demands of the country. The right infrastructure has been put in place. Innovative policies have given us the opportunity of reaching out to embrace financial services in a big way, strengthening of the tourism industry, enhancing education programmes, upgrading of the communications network and establishing our country as an IT forerunner. These are the backbone of our success today.

The administration does make mistakes. Anyone who does work tends to make mistakes here and there – but in reality, at the end of the day, the good done totally outweighs the bad and the end results are good enough to overshadow any shortcomings that do occur from time to time.

The government, insofar as it is within its capability, is providing both the environment and resources for the development required.

The education of our upcoming generation must provide the country with an intelligent workforce on a par with its European counterparts.

This can only be achieved if we are capable of convincing our growing children that they are achievers and that the country’s economic future will eventually be handed over to them. They must know that they will have to carry the responsibility for the progress or otherwise of our economic well being. There are no more places for those who do not want to take up the gauntlet and prepare themselves for life’s challenges.

This is our vision. This is what we are after and what we have set out to achieve. There is no time to lose. There is no time to sit and stare. If we do stare, opportunities will pass us by and we all know that Malta cannot afford this.

Tony Abela is parliamentary secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister