Minister Prien: "Embracing a Holistic Approach to Education"
Social progress advocate Minister Prien asserts: "Nobody yearns for a reversal in our societal advancements." - No one harbors desires to reverse societal progress, affirms Minister Prien.
Minister Prien, in a recent statement, expressed her views on the changes in the education sector. The traditional Research Ministry will give way to the Family Ministry, marking a "conscious, structural change" according to Prien. The new approach will revolve around a more holistic take on education, encompassing early childhood education, kindergartens, schools, vocational training, and lifelong learning.
Emphasizing the importance of bridging gaps and fostering unification, Minister Prien underscored her role as a "bridge builder." She clarified that her ministry, with a focus on families, women, seniors, and youth, plays a vital role in maintaining social cohesion.
Prien also highlighted the necessity of fruitful cooperation with the federal states, given that the states bear the responsibility for education policy. With several planned projects relying significantly on such cooperation, it's crucial to establish good relationships and trust for the success of these initiatives.
As the Family Ministry and the Education Department merge, Prien announced adjustments in structures, processes, and responsibilities. Her primary concern now is to "grow together as a house," ensuring a smooth transition between the two ministries.
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In the broader context, this shift in the education system stems from the government's coalition decision to separate research and technology from educational policy. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is set to evolve into the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), concentrating on research, while educational tasks are delegated to the Family Ministry.
Proponents of this change argue that integrating the education system within a ministry specializing in social and family affairs could lead to more tailored educational support for children and young people, taking their social contexts and family involvement into account. However, critics, particularly university leaders, argue that the separation of research and teaching under different ministries could potentially weaken the integration of research and higher education as a foundation for innovation.
Nonetheless, the emphasis on early childhood and school education suggests that learners, particularly those with additional needs such as those with migrant backgrounds, may experience enhanced support with the new approach. Critics, however, remain concerned that this separation of research and teaching responsibilities at the university level could have long-term implications.
- The Commission, in light of Prien's statement, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers under the new Family Ministry, encompassing education sectors like schools and vocational training, given the ministry's focus on families.
- In the general news, Schleswig announced that they will closely monitor the policy-and-legislation changes in Prien's ministry, particularly the merger between the Family Ministry and the Education Department, to gauge its impact on education, science, and politics.
- Despite the major transition in the education sector, Minister Prien remains committed to maintaining strong relationships with the federal states, as their cooperation is essential in implementing successful education policies and projects.
- As the Family Ministry adopts a holistic approach to education, it is also important for the Commission to address potential risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in schools and vocational training centers, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and workers alike.
