Congratulations to the Hon. Milton Scott and the Ministry of Education for hosting a call to action with the upcoming series of public forums and subsequent plans for a Task Force on Education (February 16 of The Royal Gazette ). The timing is perfect with the recent appointments of Permanent Secretary, Michelle Khaldun and Corbin Kerr as chief technology consultant.

This is a vital first step in commencing the vast undertaking of system-wide education reform that is required for Bermuda to successfully compete in a digital global economy.

For more than a year, the XL Education Initiative has dedicated significant resources to the infusion of information technology in Bermuda's public schools. Through forging strategic alliances between business, Bermuda educators and the best technological minds and teaching talent from Stanford University and University of Virginia, an IT curriculum programme has been developed for first year secondary school students, with plans for middle and primary school expansion. This is a long-term commitment and one that is paramount to protecting and enhancing Bermuda's competitive position.

Throughout the world, the technology imperative has pushed education to the top of the agenda. The US Department of Education is spending $7 billion a year on educational infrastructure alone. The US Department of Labour reports that two out of three jobs now require IT skills. The new millennium witnessed a global shift from an industrial based economy to one of information and information based services. The US Government views the priority of technology infused education reform with the same level of immediacy they dedicated to implementation of the space programme. The technology imperative is not about computers. It is about access to, and management of, information.

Thomas G. Carroll, of the US Department of Education's "Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology Programme'' proclaims: "The Net has won! There is a new paradigm in education. Teachers are becoming lead learners, researchers and knowledge builders.'' Carroll's programme alone commands a $175 million a year budget.

Public education is the backbone of all democracies. This mandates the development of a strategic approach for scaling a systemic reform. At a recent international conference, Bridget Somekh, Dean of Research at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK said: "We are in the midst of a nonviolent revolution. To accomplish the innovations required, we must do things quite differently. Present methods are counter to the philosophy and much too restrictive.'' Every community has only one question to ask: "What do we want our graduating students to know and be able to do?'' In Bermuda, the answers will formulate the requisite changes within the Ministry of Education's policy, pedagogy, curriculum, professional development and assessment evaluation. These answers must come from a consensus derived of all the stakeholders. Each and every person in Bermuda is a stakeholder. All voices must be heard.

The ultimate formation of a Task Force by the Ministry is both brilliant and vital. It will provide the requisite ongoing support and energy of a sustaining collaboration. The combined resources and talent of an entire community, of which there is an abundance in Bermuda, pledged to this goal can implement the changes immediately. Time is of the essence with "technology changing at the velocity of thought'' according to Bill Gates in a recent Time Magazine article. In doing so, Bermuda will have an educated constituency to fulfil the vision of being a major global e-commerce nation.

Historically it was the church that took a lead role in education, later government, and due to the extensive expertise and financial investment now required, business is now providing a greater leadership role. Brian O'Hara, president and chief executive officer of XL Capital explains: "A digital economy necessitates a shift in the focus of corporate philanthropy. The extensive level of funding required to ensure a community remains intellectually and technologically competitive can no longer be defined as a donation, but rather a sound business practice and an investment.'' The Digital Divide is redefining the barriers to success. Race, sex, religious affiliation and other historic barriers are being mitigated by the equal playing field of technology. In the 21st Century, the haves and have-nots are being determined by knowledge of and access to information technology. As a community we have a moral obligation to connect and collaborate to ensure access is available to all. That is the backbone of the mission of the XL Education Initiative. The upcoming public forums and Government's commitment to an Education Task Force present a vital opportunity for participation by all.

The new ABC's for success in education are: Access: Consistent, dependable and secure connection to the Internet.

Budget: Substantial and infinitely sustainable, in other words, "evergreening''.

Collaboration: Sustained participation by all stakeholders.

We at the XL Education Initiative continue to pledge significant resources and forge strategic alliances between business and the leading information technology minds. In collaboration with our Education and Corporate Partners the Bermuda College, BCS Ltd., Cable & Wireless Bermuda Ltd., The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, CCS Group Ltd., CISCO Systems, Inc., Logic Communications Ltd., IBM, Ernst & Young and Microsoft, we look forward to greater community participation and collaboration with the Ministry of Education in the preparation of tomorrow's leaders.

Diane Miller is executive director of the XL Education Initiative.