In the words of Charles Darwin:

“It is not the strongest species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”

Therefore, if we wish to survive, we must change.

We have been forced to change. The global pandemic disrupted schooling, and in many countries, amplified preexisting inequalities, exclusion, and anxiety. Covid-19 added additional stress to an already challenging educational environment in fragile and (post) conflict situations, and robbed millions of children of learning opportunities.

The list of psycho-social challenges is long. Teachers are faced with the gigantic task of managing students with a variety of mental health problems, while at the same time seeking to reestablish effective study habits focusing on student wellbeing and developing a positive climate for learning.

Research shows that stress, distrust and stereotyping of the “other” are known as conflict triggers which can lead to instability, violence, social injustice and a disregard for human rights.

As schools reopen, there is an opportunity to reset learning environments so that every child can feel safe whether face to face, or during online learning.

Our children are being confronted with the hardest trials mankind has ever encountered. The technology revolution might soon push billions of human out of the job market, and create a massive “useless” class, thus leading to political and social upheavals that very few governments know how to handle. Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics will change almost every line of work.

Our children will probably have to “reinvent” themselves in order to cope with the changing job market. Therefore, how can we prepare our children for a world of such unprecedented transformations and radical uncertaainties?

In such a nuanced world, we need to teach our children many survival skills, but the two most important skills we must focus on are:

1) Emotional Intelligence
2) Mental Flexibility
To connect their hearts and mind.

The real purpose of education is not to teach our children how to pass tests and go to university, but to evolve into the best human beings they possibly can be. To become ethical and responsible global citizens who can face the challenges of the future. We as trained Lozanov teachers have the responsibilty to apply our training in order to tap the untapped reserves of our students minds and lovingly bring out the best in them.

And, today on this very special day, I will add my warm birthday greetings from Kuwait.

Beloved Dr. Lozanov , you are not here physically , but you have never left us.
Your legacy lives on.

I am so grateful that our paths crossed. You have made it possible for me to bring hope, confidence and joy to my students.

I conclude with the words of a fellow Arab, Gibran Khalil Gibran;

”The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom , but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”

Thank you.