FUTURE TENSE SUCCESS

The success of an individual, an idea or a company is often hard to predict. But if there is a factor that increases exponentially the probability for future success, this is the good education of all involved in the initiative.

What does good education look like in 2020?

The answer to this question seemed to have been cleared a long time ago for all stages of education, from nursery and kindergarten to university and postgraduate qualification. Indeed, one cannot deny that quality education is impossible without dedicated and qualified teachers who work after curriculum that is adequate to the times and at educational institutions with the ambition, vision and ability to achieve their goals. The supporting environment that encourages development of their potential is crucial for children. For teenagers and adults should also be considered the opportunity to make prospective friendships and contacts that could be of help in the future.

The technological evolution we experience nowadays, whose role became even more evident during the lockdown, is gaining additional weight in all stages of modern education. The penetration of the Internet and communication devices into everyday life encouraged experts to start talking about a deep transformation of education. It is based on factors such as distance learning, reimagining teachers from "instructors" to professionals that guide students in the right direction, and implementation of technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.

However, regardless of the innovations that are bound to integrate in the educational process, a sure sign for quality educational institutions remains the balance between the technological and the human factor. Good schools and universities offer a curriculum that prepares students and graduates for real life; they also have established contacts with international partners and work with teachers and professors who are not only qualified, but who also love their profession. Only in such conditions young people can master all they need in order to succeed in life.

The professional of the future should be flexible, able to adapt to different circumstances and to own a wide spectrum of constantly growing skills and knowledge. The International Business School (Center for Distance Learning: Sofia, 7 Vincent van Gogh St, phone: +359 2 400 16 30, Facebook: InternationalBusinessSchoolBG, www.ibsedu.bg) is aware of this global trend. The university's curriculum is entirely built on the principle of quality education after European standards. In its regular, external and distant form of education, the IBS always applies an individual approach to its students and offers courses, seminars and programmes that combine academic knowledge with practice and teach skills such as leadership, adaptability, creative thinking. The IBS partners with a constantly widening network of prestigious European educational institutions and offers to its students opportunities for specialisation abroad. Thus, following the current trends and adapting its curriculum in accordance to them, for more than 28 years the IBS has been an established leader in education in Bulgaria and Europe.

Out-of-class education is crucial for children's development. It allows the learning process to go beyond the restrictions of regulated curriculum, to introduce more fun in the activities and to utilise it as an educational tool.

Many parents wrongly snub physical activities and sport, believing that their children will spend their time more effectively if they are occupied with more "serious" things. Others are cautions for eventual physical trauma. Luckily, there are out-of-class activities that refute both notions. Thanks to them children master new skills and develop physically and socially in a protected, supportive and encouraging environment.

A fun atmosphere with a serious goal – the philosophy of The Little Gym (Sofia, 118 Bulgaria Blvd, phone: 0888 594 441, www.sofia.thelittlegym.eu) for three-dimensional education that stimulates children's physical, intellectual and social development is amazingly effective. The franchise idea that since 1976 has built self-confident, able and positive kids, focuses on physical activity as a means for full growth. The classes are specially designed for three age groups: babies and children up to 3 years old, pre-schoolers, and students. Under the guidance of trained instructors, children participate in fun, but also challenging, gymnastic activities, while imperceptibly acquiring social skills such as sharing, team-work and leadership, and learning how to listen, understand and concentrate. The skills acquired at The Little Gym leave a lasting mark and allow children to grow into adults who can deal with challenges, are able decision-makers, and build strong personal and professional relationships. The purpose-built premise of The Little Gym is not only for kids, but also for their parents, grand-parents and older siblings, a place that brings families together and allows children and grown-ups to meet new friends. Get a taste of The Little Gym experience with scheduling a free trial lesson on 0888 594 441 or on the contact form at www.sofia.thelittlegym.eu.

Modern life has introduced children to computers and communication devices from an early age. Sensible parents are aware that this is inevitable and prefer to turn the early contact with technology into a core skill and knowledge that will be of use to their children when they grow up. Coding has ceased to be a restricted territory where few are able to roam. When taught in the right manner, it is accessible and can become children's second nature.

Children nowadays need to know the basics and logic of programming as they help their development both during their school years and later in life. Logiscool (phone: +359 887 707 211, www.logiscool.com) helps them to achieve this. An innovative initiative for Bulgaria, Logiscool offers courses and educational camps, including online ones, after its own intuitive multiyear curriculum. Targeted to children in 1st-12th grade, it focuses on mastering the basics of programming, development of logical thinking, building of digital literacy and creation of genuine digital art. The courses are multiyear, covering the school year with one 90-minute session per week. Children who lack a Logiscool establishment close by still have time to enrol in the online courses from the comfort of home. If you like the idea of Logiscool, you can use its potential not only to provide your children with future opportunities, but also to grow your business - the company is actively seeking franchise partners in Bulgaria.

With its diverse, adaptive and fit for contemporary life learning options, modern education makes success possible for both children and adults. Let's not allow this crucial trend to leave our family unaffected, as it will benefit all of us.