Tracy Reynolds, Consul-General of Canada to the UAE, on Wednesday highlighted the importance of high-quality early childhood education saying that it makes people ‘better citizens’.
After cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the 6th KT UniExpo, which is aimed at helping students explore diverse career options, Reynolds said: “Education is not a pathway to making money, buying things. It’s about being a more well-rounded person and being able to contribute qualitatively to your society and community.
“Education is always the most important way to advance yourself, to help you find opportunities to support yourself and your family.
“At its core, a good quality university education — whether it is in the area of STEM or traditional humanities, is valuable and useful,” he added.
“It’s not just about getting a good job, which everyone talks about. It is more about being well-read, understanding how the world works, knowing history, economics and geography. It makes people better citizens.”
Reynolds, who comes from a family rich in education values, with his mother, wife and sister all qualified teachers, commended Khaleej Times for organising KT UniExpo for the sixth year.
“Education is critically important and it’s a pleasure to see an institution like the Khaleej Times supporting post-secondary education by trying to ensure that young people, young adults here in Dubai, have the opportunity to explore their future education options on a large scale,” he said.
“I come from a background in Canada that has always supported the development of quality learning that puts you in a position to have discussions and debates, know what you’re talking about, understanding other people and speaking different languages.
“Last year we had over 800,000 students come to Canada to study in our public institutions and universities across the country that have a high consistent level of quality,” he added.
Reynolds said he was aware of the challenges that educationists are facing with the ever-changing world and the powerful growth of the internet and social media.
“Social media has created opportunities, as well as challenges for young adults who are studying in today’s world,” he said.
“Universities have to adapt and look at what are the needs of today’s youth in today’s world.
“Education teaches youth that there is a greater world out there that has an impact on their future. Education is tremendously powerful.”
While online learning has become increasingly popular post-COVID-19, Reynolds believes that classroom learning provides a more positive experience.
“Being in a room full of people is valuable to help you to make connections with your peers,” he said. “It’s not just about getting knowledge from books and professions, it’s about interacting in your society and making friends.”