— Frances Newton

The kids are back to school. It’s a new year.

Some are happy about it, some are not. But no matter how they feel, they need to learn. Our future depends on it.

Thoughts of the future rock my world. We live in a time of vast changes, accelerating globalization, mounting information of science and technology and the clash of civilizations. It is mind-blowing and beyond all perception.

These changes call for new ways of learning and thinking in school, in business and in all professions. A person needs to be equipped to deal with what is expected in the future.

We read about the decline in public education. We need to invest in our public education system where intelligence and talent can be discovered and nurtured. We need a public school system that serves all, regardless of wealth or poverty.

If they can get through to a child’s mind, teachers can inspire lifelong learning in students. Through a healthy learning and teaching atmosphere, they can teach respect and good behavior, and provide knowledge to their charges. In our global society, information is power; it is sought after, cultivated and praised. The care and learning of children are huge, serious and responsible tasks. Teachers and parents have a special job to do.

As a first-grade teacher, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach reading, math and writing to small groups or one on one. Teaching those skills is one of the most rewarding experiences a teacher or parent can have. You have the honor of watching a whole new world open up to a child as letters and sounds turn into words. I had many funny, sometimes frustrating, but happy years helping children learn these skills. Looking into the eyes of these little ones, I wondered what they would become when they grew up, and hoped they would contribute to their society.

Besides school, another place where children learn is at their local library. Some libraries include the Dyer Library in Saco, McArthur Public Library in Biddeford and the Libby Memorial Library in Old Orchard Beach. Each provides programs for youngsters, taught by devoted and committed members, that stimulate language development, learning and behavioral skills involving literature, songs, movement, stories and more.

On another note, as I write this, it is Monday Sept. 26. This evening is the first debate between Clinton and Trump. Thinking about the debate and the state of our country, I feel that as Americans, our illusions of invulnerability have been shattered and that our freedom is being threatened.

How do we as citizens respond to a crisis of this magnitude? We need to join together, raise our voices and continue to speak out, no matter how hard it becomes. We need to act with enough faith and strength to keep on raising the difficult questions, demanding paths that are both just and wise. Let us rededicate ourselves to global peace and human dignity, and stop injustice that breeds rage and vengeance. That includes both sides. Loving kindness means knowing how to be a friend to ourselves and to all of life.

The world is waiting, not knowing what is before us. At this hour, we are praying for strength, for wisdom, for courage, help and guidance. And we hope that an educated populace can lead us to better times.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Zaffie at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.