"The voyage of discovery is not seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust, French writer.

My first month as Minister for Education has been a voyage of discovery. Listening to and debating with educators, students, parents, administrators and NGO’s has made me realise more than ever before, how deep-rooted is our belief as a nation in the importance of education.

The vast and complex ministry entrusted to me has left me humbled, impressed and enthusiastic. The dedication, creativity, sensitivity and enthusiasm of every single worker within my Ministry and beyond give me the courage and drive to improve upon the good foundations and innovate for the sustainable future of our education system.

Rapid change

We are living in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. The advances in technology and Artificial Intelligence are growing at such a rate that we are only just understanding the implications and impact they are having on our environment and the well-being of society. In the past, humanity faced many challenges and overcame them repeatedly. However, today we must address the current problems at a faster pace. We all know that technology has created a global village. We are now citizens of the world. Our aims and aspirations and concerns about the future of humanity are the same for every person who lives on this planet.

Cooperation and integration of every woman, man and child is therefore the key to our continued survival and progress. As motivational author Brian Tracy says, 'in a time of rapid change, standing still is the most dangerous course of action.' Looking ahead with a clear vision of our aims is our call today, fully aware of the challenges that can come along in the predictable future - which is in itself a product of what we plan today.

Innovation in education

Our children are the key to a better future. They have a crucial and important role in our continued survival. It is our duty to prepare them well. We need to prepare our students for their future, not our past. Innovation in education is a key component if they are to succeed. I fully endorse what John Dewey, an American Scholar and educational reformer said years ago: 'if we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.'

The Labour government’s aim is in line with the European Union’s agenda – to help our schools and university evolve and adapt to achieve their core mission: to educate students to be successful in a complex and interconnected world that faces rapid technological, cultural, economic and demographic changes. As part of the cabinet of ministers, I wholly endorse this concept and look forward to helping and encouraging our educators and workers achieve this goal.

Teamwork

In itself, education is where families, politicians and great thinkers come together. Teamwork is the key to success. As Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist once said, 'teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organisational objectives.' There is no denying that we have a common vision - a better future for our children. As a mother I am never tired of reiterating that our children are at the very core of all that we do, both individually and collectively.

There is also no doubt that as a nation we possess the most precious gift of all – brilliant, innovative and creative world-class women and men who make us proud and are leaders in their field. The past four weeks have brought me in contact with exceptionally talented and driven educators, academics and administrators. They have imparted with me their ideas, concerns and vision for the betterment of our education system. Their energy and enthusiasm give me the additional impetus I have always embraced throughout my years of political service.

2021 - Bring it on

It is indeed an honour for me to serve Malta and Gozo at the helm of the Education Ministry.  I look forward to a deeper collaboration with all stakeholders and encourage all those who have the good of our children at heart to come forward with their feedback, concerns and proposals. As Henry Ford once said, ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.'

A new year is around the corner. 'We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is the New Year’s Day.' I augur that these thoughts by Edith Pierce will motivate us to work as one team. In 2021, with hard work, collaboration and determination we can as one big team, write twelve successful and progressive chapters in the history of our education system for the sustainable future of our children.

May I wish all readers, the editor and his dedicated staff, a new year full of good health, peace and prosperity!