The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented disruptions and massive changes to every aspect of our lives. Our initial responses to the unnatural and unpleasant chain of events of 2020, was to safeguard our health and mitigate the spread of infection. It is clear, however, that Covid-19 is not just a pandemic or a health threat that can be eradicated with proper treatment and precautionary measures. Its implications have a far wider impact. We must redefine many things in life which, up till now, were taken for granted.

Changing mind-set

We are also reminded how inter-dependent we are: what happens to one person can affect many others and that to get through and face challenges head on, we remember that we are one - together we can move mountains. Experts studying the impact of the pandemic on our world and the type of wisdom we need to bring out positive changes have mostly concluded that apart from structural changes, we need to change our mind-set.

This means that psychological strategies need to be in place that promote a sound judgement. This includes critical thinking, perspective taking, recognizing the limits of our knowledge, sympathy, and compassion - all of which lead to the necessary action. 

Impact on education

No single aspect of our lives has been spared, and our action and reaction should include all aspects, including education. The foundation of every state is the education of its people. Abraham Lincoln adds that the philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next. I firmly believe in focusing on all levels of education, starting with the early stages and including lifelong learning. It is the only way forward in a world that is in constant flux.

Covid-19 affected the education system so much that nearly every student in the world felt its repercussions. School closures saw a massive effort to adapt and innovate as quickly as the circumstances allowed. Our education systems switched to remote learning and educators all over the world responded proactively and collaborated fully for the shift in lesson delivery. Educators the world over collectively changed their teaching methods to cater for students' educational needs in different family scenarios. Studies conducted during the pandemic have shown that governments, education systems and schools could provide remote learning and teaching with little preparation, planning and, sometimes, digital experience.

Prevailing adaptability

It is said that when patterns are broken, new worlds emerge. The pandemic gave education the room to adapt to the prevailing circumstances. It has opened up a once in a generation opportunity for genuine change in the education systems across the world. Educators, policy makers and the children themselves are being given the opportunity to join forces and rethink the education we really need rather than cling to the old way of schooling.

Hanging on to the past would be a natural response.  We cannot solve today's problems with yesterday's formulas.  In such circumstances, however, facing our challenges and finding solutions to overcome them is the only way forward.  

Team spirit

The resilience, innovation and team spirit shown by all of us here in Malta have shone through. We now know well that action and adaptability create opportunity.  It is proof that we can adapt, identify opportunities, and make changes for the common good. A case in point are the fifty-seven enterprises, NGO's and public entities that have joined forces and opened their doors to future educators and students for hands-on work experience in diverse sectors.

The Institute for Education set this wonderful initiative.  It is open to all student educators, including those who wish to have a career in vocational subjects. The aim of the initiative is to enhance future educators' competences. They will then pass on their knowledge and experience to their students in the classroom. The immediate response and collaboration shown by these contributors shows that as a nation, we are capable and willing to face challenges head on and find ways of grasping new opportunities for the benefit of society at large. Finally, it shows that the future of our children is a top priority on a national and personal level.

This is an ongoing experience that is teaching us all of several talents, which we might not have been aware of.  What we have achieved together certifies our collective resilience. There is however, no room for sitting on any of such laurels.  Team spirit is key for acting and reacting when facing future challenges.