Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1060184
26 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2018 OPINION Evarist Bartolo Caring for gifted students Evarist Bartolo is Minister for Education and Employment Whilst it is our moral duty to do all we can not to let any children fall behind, it is also our duty not to hold back students from reaching their full potential Renee Laiviera Towards a national human rights institution Renee Laiviera is Chairperson of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality 'ALL human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights' declares the first Article of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Such a milestone declaration in the history of human rights sets out the fundamental human rights of all human beings. This Declaration first set out core principles of human rights, such as universality, interdependence and indivisibility, equality and non-discrimination. This year marks 70 years since world leaders, in seeking to avoid a repetition of the horrific human rights violations committed during the Second World War, set out fundamental rights that every individual should expect and demand. These rights were adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 10 December 1948 and remain as relevant today as they were back then. On this day, we celebrate the achieve- ments brought about by this declara- tion worldwide. This Declaration, which is generally recognised as the foundation of international human rights law, inspired a body of legally- binding international human rights treaties. Since 1948, 18 treaties and optional protocols found agreement on the need to advance human rights. Over the years, treaties became more focused and specialised and strength- ened the human rights of specific groups of women and men. Currently, fifty-seven percent of countries have a national human rights institution. National Human Rights Institutions are the cornerstone of promoting and protecting human rights. The Princi- ples relating to the Status of National Institutions, also known as The Paris Principles, require these institutions to protect human rights including by receiving, investigating and resolving complaints as well as to promote hu- man rights through education, out- reach, the media, training and capacity building. These principles specify the criteria that such institutions have to meet, namely to have a broad man- date based on universal human rights norms and standards; autonomy from government; independence; pluralism; adequate resources; and adequate pow- ers of investigation. In Malta a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is envisaged to be established in line with the Paris Prin- ciples and work is underway to trans- form the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) into a Human Rights and Equality Commis- sion (HREC). NCPE has participated in ongoing consultations in relation to the HREC and looks forward to the estab- lishment of this institution. With this transformation, Malta's legal frame- work on human rights and equality will be strengthened with the widening of NCPE's remit. The new Commission will be answering directly to Parlia- ment, thus being wholly independent. This institution will monitor the strengthened equality legislation and provide individuals with a stronger mechanism against discrimination and other human rights breaches. These upcoming developments in Malta are envisaged in the context of ensuring respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental free- doms as called for by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As stated by the former UN General-Secretary Ban Ki Moon" "The international community has a duty to uphold and defend these rights. Let us ensure that those people who most need their rights protected are made aware that this Declaration exists — and that it exists for them. Let us each do our part to make these universal rights a living reality for every man, woman and child, everywhere." OUR country needs gifted and talented people. A good educa- tion system needs to nurture gifted students. We cannot let them down in the name of in- clusion. Whilst it is our moral duty to do all we can not to let any children fall behind, it is also our duty not to hold back students from reaching their full potential. We must encourage our students to aim high and to help them reach their aspira- tions. Our country has devel- oped where it is now thanks to countless persons who, over the centuries had big dreams and aspirations for these small islands. We need to do more for our gifted students. This week a presentation was held for the winners of the fifth edition of Malta Junior Science Olympiad 2018. The olympiad targets gifted and talented students in STEM and is one of the initiatives that the Directo- rate for Learning and Assess- ment Programmes organises to nurture giftedness. A total of 75 students participated in this year's science olympiad. The participants collaborate in teams of three students to solve problems related to dif- ferent scientific themes such as water, waste management, fuels etc. Lauren Azzopardi, Edward Rossi and Timothy Vella from St Michael Foundation are the top winners of the fifth edition. The team from Archbishop's Seminary Rabat placed second while that from Immaculate Conception School Tarxien placed third. The winning teams were presented awards sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Malta. The top winners re- ceived the Malta Junior Science Olympiad trophy sponsored by the HSBC Malta Foundation. During the five editions, a total of 372 students partici- pated. Indeed, several partici- pants from the first edition are currently pursuing STEM studies at tertiary level. The directorate is highly committed to provide oppor- tunities to challenge gifted and talented students in different fields and to provide training to educators to teach gifted students. In fact, a team of nine educators is currently benefit- ing from a grant sponsored by the Ministry to become profi- cient in gifted education. I am currently reading 'Thou shalt innovate', a book by Avi Jorisch, whose articles have appeared in several influential outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, Forbes, and Al-Arabiya.net. He presents several instances, in one of which he writes that one of his colleagues was diagnosed with Parkinson's and had begun undergoing deep brain stimulation to help with his symptoms. He later learned that the device that was used had been designed by an Arab couple from Nazareth. Their innovation had revolution- ised brain surgery. This made him want to connect with the inspirational side of Israel and seek out social innovators who were working on challenges that were making life better for millions of people around the world. In another reference to the importance of high-tech entre- preneurship he explains that he was invited and attended a gathering which brought to- gether Israel's Jews, Christians and Muslims as well as Pales- tinians from the West Bank. Innovation has no boundaries. This book is a tale about Israelis who have chosen hope and healing over death and destruction. "In a part of the world that has more than its share of darkness, these stories are rays of light". I concur and I strongly recommend this book. Renee Laiviera