President Iohannis: Drug use issue among young people – on the agenda of the next CSAT meeting

President Klaus Iohannis declared on Monday, at the celebration of the beginning of the school year, that he included the topic of drug use among students and young people on the agenda of the next meeting of the Supreme National Defense Council (CSAT).

“I want to refer now to an alarming phenomenon, that of drug use among young people. It is a problem that is increasingly concerning our society and I am glad that there is an increased interest in trying to find solutions to combat this scourge. I have decided to include this topic on the agenda of the next meeting of the Supreme National Defense Council. The effects, the scale, the societal challenges of drug use, especially from a young age and in schools, are a serious challenge to individual and national security. At the same time, I want to emphasize the importance of preventive and responsible behaviors. It is crucial that young generations understand from an early age the dangers and dramatic consequences of drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Through education and awareness, we can build a solid barrier against these threats. It is also vital to implement health education programs in schools that give students all the information and tools they need to make healthy choices for themselves,” President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday, while attending the school opening ceremony at School 162 in Bucharest.

The head of state told students that they are the first generations to benefit from the underway reforms in the education system.

“You are the first generations to benefit from the reforms implemented with the new legislative framework, which pursues bold objectives. And dare I urge you to be yourself in following your dreams, in learning as much as you can about the fields you are passionate about and in which you can later make successful contributions. The future is built with and through education, investing in the potential of children and young people. It is by far the best investment we can make! Your school fulfills its purpose very seriously and constructively. I was impressed by the story of the sports base and I congratulate you for your determination and efforts and that of the teaching staff to make this project a reality.”

As for the teachers, President Iohannis said he endorsed their demands for higher salaries.

“The passion for knowledge and the talent to share it represent the traits of the noblest vocation, which I would like to see more often as a career choice.

I know you often go through challenges that test your patience and faith. A lot is being asked of you during this time and society has not always shown you the appreciation and gratitude you deserve. My message to you teachers remains the same: you are indispensable to the future of our country.

This year’s raises are a step in the right direction, but you definitely deserve more. The average 25% increase in education salaries became a reality after you drew society’s attention to the importance of the teaching profession. I also continue to support the salary increase starting January 1, 2024, and I assure you that I remain firm in supporting all the steps to make the commitments made by the Government this summer a reality.

We are also witnessing, from this year, serious investments in the infrastructure of the education system, financed both from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and from the state budget. We are talking about over 1 billion euros for equipment with new, modern furniture, state-of-the-art IT equipment and new laboratories, as well as teaching materials. Thus, more than 5,600 schools will benefit from a modern educational environment.

The new legislation revalues ​​the teaching career. We encourage, for example, tenure in educational units in disadvantaged areas, and a series of elements that will generate predictability in terms of the didactic norm have also been introduced. All these changes were made because we need teachers with a vocation,” said the President.

The head of state also had a message for parent.

“The new legislative framework in the field of education provides all the prerequisites for students to complete the school cycle fully prepared for a society in permanent change and adapted to a dynamic labor market. We need to move beyond the outdated paradigm of conveyor belt graduates who all get some degree without it really helping them in real life. But laws are not enough, your participation is also needed and I am convinced that you will always be with the children to help them become active and responsible adults. The respect for the school and the importance given to education also depend to a considerable extent on the involvement of you, your parents and grandparents.”