The summer holidays are over; it is that time of year which brings about excitement as well as other different emotions. It is time for the new scholastic year to begin.

This time of year may be emotional for students, their parents as well as their teachers. The youngest of children may be seen crying and clinging to their parents’ legs. In turn, even parents sometimes have glassy eyes, wishing that their children wouldn’t grow so fast but realising that they are embarking on a journey which will influence them in many ways and help them grow.

The schools’ once silent corridors are now filled with boisterous voices, children excited to see their friends once again and to share their adventures and stories accumulated over the summer holidays. Some students will change schools, make new friends; others will start a new system altogether in post-secondary schools as well as vocational institutions.

The Office of the Commissioner for Children strives to encourage children and young people to fully exercise their right to education as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Children and young people should be motivated through the use of different teaching methods to learn in order to reach their full potential and to make the most of their abilities and talents.

Article 28 of the UNCRC obliges states to provide education, which should be made compulsory as well as accessible to all children. Different forms of secondary and vocational education should be made available to young people.

Article 28 is complemented by Article 29, which stresses the importance of education as a tool to develop children’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.

Through education, children and young people learn to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. They also develop respect for their parents, peers, teachers and the community at large, their culture, their language as well as values.

Education enables young people to prepare themselves to lead a responsible life in a free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality and friendship.

The benefits of education can be felt not only by the children themselves but also by the rest of society. It is a known fact that education is the key to a better quality of life.

Education breaks the cycle of poverty and enables each and every child to increase and improve his/her own skills and learning outcomes. In this way children will be better prepared to face the challenges of childhood, youth and adulthood. A country’s prosperity depends increasingly on education.

It is essential that education is not only guaranteed by the relevant authorities but also that parents and students alike recognise the importance of this right to education. It is extremely important that our schools offer various programmes that are both relevant as well as adequate and that these programmes meet the needs as well as the aspirations and expectations of our students.

Students should also be given the help they need where particular needs are identified. All schools, whether primary or secondary, should recognise the importance of students’ participation where decisions are being taken in their regard.

While students have the right to education, their parents and the students themselves have certain obligations which must be carried out. Parents should ensure their children do go to school on a regular basis and should make sure their children are not absent from school without a valid reason.

Parents should also follow their children’s work and encourage them to do it as best they can, without causing undue pressure.

Students should have a positive attitude towards learning. They should do the work given to them to the best of their ability, they should respect their fellow students as well as their teachers. Children and young people are also encouraged to participate actively in various activities organised by the schools.

I hope this scholastic year will have a positive outcome and will be one of great satisfaction for all parties concerned, namely the children, the parents and the teachers.

Have your say

If you wish to contribute an article or would like a particular subject to be tackled in the Education section, call Davinia Hamilton on 2559 4513 or e-mail dhamilton@timesofmalta.com.

Ms d’Amato is Commissioner for Children.