Learning begins with curiosity, with the desire to discover life and the world. This is where the joy of learning lies.

The changes made to the organisation of education in recent years have shaken school life more than they should have. The task of adults is to create an environment where children can learn, develop and discover their abilities – while at the same time remaining children. Just as parents, too, need to remain human beings, rather than become performers in a competition of parenthood. If, because of changes, a child has no certainty about which school they will be able to continue their studies in, or if the organisation of exams is hampered by technical problems, it cannot be said that everything has gone as it should.

When the state changes rules and creates new systems, it must also ensure that they work. The school community deserves peace and certainty.

A child needs courage to make an effort, not paralysing fear

An exam may go badly. A test may not go well. A child may do worse in one subject than in another. This is part of learning. Learning means trying, making mistakes and trying again. Acquiring an education must not become a constant race in which a child fears that one poor result will leave them behind others or prevent them from getting into upper secondary school. Still less should coping with pressure become a measure of either the child or the parents.

Yes, learning requires effort. But the study load must be reasonable. The right to education does not mean only the right to attend school. In addition to schoolwork, there must also be time for hobby activities and physical activity, for rest and play. Time for friends and family. And time simply to be.

Hobby education and sport are not just pastimes

By taking part in hobby groups and doing sport, children learn cooperation, perseverance, responsibility and how to cope with losing. Some children discover, precisely in a hobby group or at training, what they are good at and what truly brings them joy. A child should not have to choose between homework and preparing for exams on the one hand, and an important training session or hobby activity on the other. There should be enough time and energy for both.

A child should also be able to get to a hobby group if the public transport network in their place of residence is sparse and their parent cannot drive them there by car. Solutions can be found in every local authority if children and young people, their parents and the organisers of hobby groups are listened to, and if their real needs are taken as the starting point.

For the new school year, I wish everyone mutual respect, attentiveness, care, and joy in learning and teaching!

Happy Knowledge Day!