Jaak Aaviksoo: The chain is off the education bicycle in Estonia
Jaak Aaviksoo discusses the pressing issues within Estonia's education system, emphasizing the need for thorough reform.
In a recent article, Jaak Aaviksoo draws a compelling analogy between the struggles of a cyclist facing a broken chain and the challenges currently facing Estonia's education system. He highlights the increasing discontent among educators and the public regarding the state of education, particularly drawing attention to the recently released Estonian Human Development Report entitled "Education in the Mirror of Society." This report underscores the necessity of focusing on education, given its significant impact on other components of human development such as national income per capita and life expectancy.
Aaviksoo notes that while there is a legitimate need to reform the education system from within, there is a growing sentiment among educators to step back and assess the situation more comprehensively, which is analogous to a cyclist needing to repair their bike before continuing. The report's primary findings are alarming, indicating that Estonia's education system is facing severe issues, exacerbated by increasing inequality and a growing educational divide. These issues are causing widespread concern among educators, policymakers, and the public alike.
The author stresses that in Estonia, where there is a strong belief that quality education guarantees prosperity and health, the deteriorating state of education should provoke urgent attention and action. As the report suggests fundamental problems within the system, Aaviksoo calls for a focused response that addresses these inequalities and gaps to reclaim a robust educational framework that can support societal development effectively.