A worldwide observance focused on learning provided an opportunity to reflect on the urgency of preparing pupils for a rapidly evolving future, the Bermuda Union of Teachers said this afternoon.

The organisation noted it was “timely” that the theme chosen for Unesco’s 2026 International Day of Education was “The power of youth in co-creating education”.

Its remarks came after a turbulent several days, when statements from the government on its education reform plans appeared to be at odds with the understanding of staff and parents who were called to hear talks on proposed changes this week.

Pupils of Francis Patton School took to the roadside yesterday morning to protest a recent announcement by the Ministry of Education that could mean they will go to middle schools instead of remaining at their primary for years 7 and 8 as anticipated.

Crystal Caesar, the education minister, — who, in September, deferred certain aspects of the education reform plan — insisted later that “no decisions have been made regarding the critical next steps in education transformation”.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers said today: “To every one of our members, International Day of Education reminds us of not just the importance of, but the fundamental urgency in, the job of preparing our students for a future that is rapidly evolving — a job we embrace with open arms each and every day.”

It noted: “Unesco Director-General Khaled El-Enany’s message strongly affirms the hard work of our teachers involved in transformation teams over the last several years, as they intentionally looked to our young people to understand their desires and sought authentic feedback via prototyping sessions on school features that would prepare them for the future.”

Mr El-Enany’s comments for the observance included that “education systems are more effective when designed in collaboration with the people they are intended to serve”.

The BUT said: “We commend our members who have served on the transformation teams at Purvis, Francis Patton, CedarBridge Academy, The Berkeley Institute, Elliot, Harrington Sound, and Sandys Secondary Middle School.

“You spent endless hours consulting and collaborating with not only the young people who attended your schools, but also other students across the system, garnering volumes of rich, constructive feedback in the process.”

The BUT highlighted that Mr El-Enany said: “ … education can no longer be conceived of without young people’s input; it can no longer ignore the voices of those it is intended to benefit.

“Young people must be included in the construction of education.”

The BUT said: “We see you, Francis Patton. Your students are standing up with agency because they know they have a voice and are demanding to have a choice in their future.

“This is no happenstance. It is a direct product of the culture, community and environment that has been developed on your campus.”