Educating Rita

The value of education for an individual and for society has always been a fascinating theme discussed by educators, economists, sociologists and even playwrights. I vividly recall the discussion that we used to have as students about the play, later made into a film, Educating Rita, by the British playwright Willy Russell.

This serious comedy is all about the class system, the shortcomings of institutional education, and the nature of self-development. It portrays two diametrically opposed characters that represent two equally different perceptions of society on the value of education. On the one hand we have Frank Bryant, a disenchanted intellectual who has become cynical about formal education, and on the other we meet Rita, a young lady who thirsts to improve her education to benefit from the perks that come with being considered as a formally educated person in our modern society.

Today, my reflections are more focused on how education can help our country progress socially and economically. We are living in a context of rather low achievement levels being reached by many of our young people, and the demands of the modern economy that is unforgiving for those who are under-qualified.

I therefore welcome two recent strategic initiatives that impact on the educational field in Malta. MCAST has launched new vocational level qualifications that are recognised internationally as a first degree and also as a Master's degree in various disciplines, including electronics and engineering, information and communications technology, and business and commerce.

A need certainly exists for such a qualification that presumably will be more oriented to the practical side of knowledge and information. I have always believed that our educational system will fail unless it builds a good bridge with the business world where economic growth really happens.

The board of governors and the principal of the college all have a vast knowledge and experience of what it means to get their hands dirty in the real world of business. It was therefore to be expected that they share a vision based on a happy marriage between academia and industry.

The critical success factor, of course, will be the high level of project management needed to ensure that the standards of these courses are indeed high. There will of course be teething problems. Some may even underestimate the amount of energy that these courses will demand from those that are involved in launching them. But a good strategy combined with good execution will ultimately make this effort worthwhile.

The other initiative announced by the Social Policy Minister relates to the inauguration of a vast programme aimed at giving a chance to unqualified and under-qualified persons to acquire new skills and qualifications to help them integrate in the labour market. The more than 200 courses included in the programme will also aim to advise the participants on the best way to improve their skills to make themselves more employable.

It is a sad reality that, despite the vast annual budget allocations, a large section of our workforce still has low qualifications and skills levels. In an economic world that is quickly replacing old with new technology, skills flexibility and continuous personal development are vital for survival.

Again, my main worry is not the merit of this strategy, which is no doubt excellent, but our ability to implement it effectively. While in this latter case the financing resources needed for a good implementation plan are there, the educational authorities and the ETC need to organise themselves in the most businesslike way to ensure that we get the right value for the money that will be spent.

At the end of the day, this will probably boil down to good quality project management, achieving the right mix between academic and practical input, and the commitment of private industry as well as our educators to cooperate fully to give the participants the best chance to succeed.

As time goes by, the more I am convinced that the most practical value of education is its ability to improve our physical lives through good employment opportunities.

Many of those in need of improving their educational skills may be less motivated by the wishes of Rita in the Educating Rita play, than by the peace of mind that a good job can give them. Moving up the social class ladder may be a totally honourable ambition, but satisfying the financial needs of yourself and your family is probably more compelling.

johncassarwhite@yahoo.com