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20 T hroughout my life in politics I have met all kinds of business people. Some were to become very successful, others not so much. There is no 'type' which makes it, they come in different colours and creeds. When I met James Barbara, who created James Caterers Ltd from nothing 20 years ago and grew it into a major business, my first impression was that he was just another money making machine. However after meeting him just four times today I can freely say that he is one of the most committed and passionate individuals to improving young people's lives and education. Historically, the education system was cordoned off from the real world. Schools did their own thing, with little bridging to business and social environments. The system became rigid and archaic, with no sense of fun and enjoyment in learning. Learning differently, through vocational work and learning by doing, was very limited. James was a victim of this system. He was a 'drop-out'. I don't use this word easily because it implies the young individual just drops out, as if leaving a train. In reality, it's a system that spits you out. That is what was done to James, and countless others. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Over the past two years I have got to know James better and we have worked together to link education and industry. He has strived hard, well beyond the expected social corporate responsibility of a business, to help young people learn and develop skills that will prove useful. We've done this in a structured and organised manner, so that the students gain a meaningful and fruitful experience. The creation of the Practice Catering School within the newly-opened manufacturing facility in Bulebel is a shining example of how industry can embed education in its organism and be not just a supplier to the community, but also a giver. In less than two years' time, our schools will be inherently different through the My Journey (myjourney.edu.mt) initiative, where we will be offering practical and hands-on learning experiences in schools. We will be offering something that caters for the different abilities of our children. James has found his path. He has achieved great success, through sheer hard work and determination. But there are others, who like him were rejected by a rigid system, who never recuperated. There are others who didn't catch a break or simply didn't have the hardened core to learn by themselves. The country is at a loss when it discards people, and this is why it is so important to evolve our education system, beyond the classroom. Change in most sectors is not easy, but in education it's even more difficult. However, we are committed to creating an environment where ever ybody can make it, fulfil their potential and achieving success. Over the past four years we've introduced numerous alternative options and in the next two years they will become embedded within the 'traditional ' system. Our duty to the next generation is to build an environment where they have a real chance to pursue success and their goals. Opinion maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2017 Why James is an inspiration The country is at a loss when it discards people, and this is why it is so important to evolve our education system, beyond the classroom Evarist Bartolo today WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT S P E C I A L E D I T I O N €1.00 PAGE 9 • Editorial TUESDAY • 10 OCTOBER 2017 • issuE 559 • puBlishEd EvERy wEdnEsday and sunday BUDGET 2018 This week MaltaToday will be publishing a Special Edition on Tuesday with full coverage and analysis of the and what it will mean for you. Make sure to get your copy on Tuesday! Midweek Edition will not be published on Wednesday 2018 BUDGET S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 8.50 PM SAVIOUR BALZAN DISCUSSES THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED IN THE 2018 BUDGET WITH FINANCE MINISTER EDWARD SCICLUNA AND OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN MARIO DE MARCO 8.50 PM 8.50 PM TVM 8.50 PM 8.50 PM 8.50 PM 8.50 PM TVM TVM TVM THURSDAY