Children relish Christmas more due to the fact that they receive a break from school, allowing them valuable time with family during the festive season. It not only offers students and their families a chance to rest and refresh but also enables them to engage in cherished holiday traditions and festivities. Moreover, the break facilitates travel and extended visits with relatives who may reside at a distance.
Let me start by looking back on the educational landscape of 2023. It’s clear that the year brought both challenges and significant achievements. Our schools, educators, students, and parents collectively faced unprecedented circumstances, demonstrating resilience, adaptability and a commitment to learning.
As per the ministry of education, children and youth, the 2022-2023 academic year saw a total of 111,485 students in Luxembourg schools. Among them, 82% were enrolled in public schools following the national curriculum, while the remaining 18% were in public schools following an international curriculum. With over 111,000 students embarking on their daily school routines, each morning marks a new chapter in their educational journey.
Luxembourg’s education takes a digital leap and promotes diversity
In a significant move toward digital transformation, the education ministry introduced eduGuichet (www.eduguichet.lu) on 26 June 2023. This digital platform offers various services, covering early childhood, elementary and secondary education, adult education and music education, with plans for further expansion.
Additionally, 2023 witnessed a milestone in student diversity with the education ministry’s pilot project for French literacy. The initiative, launched in September, allows parents to choose between German or French instruction in four communal schools, promoting social cohesion and preserving the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
Under the banner “Music for All,” the municipal sector’s music schools have provided free music, vocal arts and dance courses since the 2022-2023 school year. This initiative aims to nurture personal growth, concentration, creativity, curiosity and self-esteem among students. The state supplements this free tuition with additional financial subsidies, benefiting young learners from the age of 4 up to the first level of the diploma.
Looking ahead, the education ministry is forecasting the total number of students enrolled in Luxembourg’s schools to increase by to reaching 113,416.
As we turn the page to 2024, the lessons learned in education during 2023 will shape the future of our kids. With this in mind, I hope Luxembourg can continue to move forward in 2024 in the spirit of innovation, adaptability and a collective commitment to social cohesion and preserving the country’s unique diversity. Quality education will guide us as we build a more inclusive and resilient educational landscape.