Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1290275
15 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2020 EYEWITNESS Jobsplus 344/2020 - Reference Number BCAHR 008/2020 BUILDING INSPECTORS CAREER OPPORTUNITY All applications should be submitted by noon on Monday, 5th October 2020 For more information you may visit our website; bca.org.mt/careers Clifton Grima is parliamentary secretary for youth, sports and NGOs Clifton Grima Schools need to re-open WHEN we focus on education within the context of schooling, it is crucial that we fully taken into account the holistic nature of education. Education is not just academic learning; there is much more to education. We cannot put aside the important personal (emotional, physical, psychological etc.) and social aspects. All of these are equal- ly important to the proper and healthy development of stu- dents; they are intertwined and they build on each other. To- gether they create a whole and a complete education. Presently, we are living in un- precedented and extraordinary times. But we need to move for- ward reasonably and cautiously without forgetting the genuine interests of students and their rights. Since schools were com- pelled to close in March, and al- though teachers have remained in contact with students utiliz- ing online services, we know that certain educational aspects were not able to be achieved due to the necessary constraints. Undoubt- edly there are students who have fallen behind and suffered. Some argue that we should re- open schools fully and go back to pre-COVID normality as if the present context was inex- istent. Others embrace another extreme, holding that schools should remain totally closed. Both are equally dangerous ex- tremes. Extremes of this kind are nev- er beneficial, especially when we are living in very sensitive times. Both do not take heed of stu- dents' interests and rights. Stu- dents have the right to a prop- er and just education. Opening schools as if pre-COVID nor- mality has returned would not be justified. Neither is the view that schools should remain closed for all. As a parent myself, I under- stand the concern of parents. When schools re-open all the necessary measures as ordered by the Ministry of Health will be followed to the letter. We cannot risk students' well-being. With the necessary measures, the to- tal well-being of students will be taken into account. While online teaching can be very beneficial if enacted prop- erly, it cannot, however, reach all the educational aspects. On- line teaching can help academic aspects (but not for all students since students learn different- ly), yet it is difficult to reach all the other aspects. For example, if one cannot afford to follow a private physical programme, the physical aspects will fall behind. The same can be said of rela- tional and social aspects. And yet, we know that all educational aspects are vital for a proper de- velopment. Some parents and guardians argue that they themselves can indeed provide for all education- al needs. While I do not deny that this can happen, we cannot assume that all are able to afford such a lifestyle, or that all have the social capital to achieve such an aim. The responsibility of the government is to take care of all students. And we cannot deny the fact that students learn and develop in a variety of ways. And hence, it is healthy for schools to re-open; of course, with all the measures and precautions, oth- erwise more will lag behind in their holistic educational devel- opment, both at a personal and social level. I retierate: we are living in un- precedented and extraordinary times. We need to take unprece- dented and extraordinary meas- ures. We need to assess the facts and act accordingly. Indeed, in the present conditions facts can change rapdily. That is the chal- lenge of our times. Dealing with the present conditions in a rea- sonable and cautious manner, and yet making sure that the needs and rights of all students are being met: it's a challenge that the government is ready to deal with for the benefit of all, and not just a few. I hope that when schools re- open, all educators will continue to reflect on the life experiences we encountered in the last few months, and learn from such experiences. Education and life are inter-related; one builds on the other. Education goes far be- yond sitting for exams. It is vital that the academic as- pect of education be closely con- nected with the personal and so- cial aspects of the development of students. A meaningful and healthy education combines ac- ademia with life, and learns from life experiences. Without these experienes, you cannot have a proper education; without a proper and holistic education, life will suffer. Dealing with the present conditions in a reasonable and cautious manner, and yet making sure that the needs and rights of all students are being met: it's a challenge that the government is ready to deal with for the benefit of all, and not just a few