Students should not only learn how to read a book, but also how to read themselves – Gozo Bishop
School and the educator do not just provide intelligence and facts but also play a vital role in the integral development of a student’s personality, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said yesterday.
The Bishop yesterday read a letter addressed to all educators during Monday morning mass, on the start of the new scholastic year.
“School plays an important role by providing an educational environment which aids the growth and learning skills of an individual.
“It would be wrong to perceive school as just a place to provide facts, as in reality it does much more, providing an important role in the development of a student’s personality.”
He stressed that, whilst the academic side is important, it is not enough to focus on that perspective alone.
Mgr Grech stated that educators should not only be experts in their personalised subject, but also an expert in humanity, which students should learn about whilst at school.
“It is important that a student not only learns how to read a book, but also learns how to read and understand themselves and to be able to explore their dreams, aspirations and personal ambitions.”
He continued that an educator’s work is difficult and must also facilitate the correct process to let students make their own career choices and philosophy.
Mgr Grech said that, whilst children must be prepared for the world of work, it is essential that a child is also happy to discover their own vocation.
“When one discovers that God is calling him to something, may it be health, communication, engineering, teaching or arts, then let them be able to bring light to his best skills and that such vocation brings experience and wholeness.”
He said that whilst the education system is providing vocational schools, educators must take on the role as a ‘vocation spotter’, to spot out the good vocation skills students carry for them to develop their own route in life.
“Amongst these routes is the spiritual, specifically that of priesthood or consecrated life to God.
“Dear educators, the Lord has placed you amongst this generation and if in your profession you meet with individuals who have this flame for religious vocation, it is in your power to not extinguish it.”