Students and young people should be at the center of policy discussions, not only as beneficiaries of education but in recognition that they are among some of the most vulnerable members of society.
This was highlighted by the Attorney‑General and Minister for Education Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum at the 20th Annual Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers held in Nadi.
Sayed‑Khaiyum says students cannot be allowed to be passive actors and social media has a huge impact on them.
The Minister for Education says it is the responsibility of others to pass down the lessons of sustainable development to the children as when those lessons are lost, there are risks of repeating the same mistakes.
Sayed‑Khaiyum says there is a need to break that cycle by instilling values, such as climate change awareness and advocacy in the education system.
He urged the participants of the conference to remain committed to many of the same principles that have guided them in the past, and explore new ways of thinking, new strategies of cooperation and new ways to engage with students and young people.
Sayed‑Khaiyum reminded the teachers that they also have an essential role in empowering and forging the minds of students and young people.
He says they want teachers to be motivated, engaged and well-qualified.
