A restructured curriculum will not work efficiently unless it also equips students to work within an increasingly technological and computerised world, a speaker said yesterday.

And to ensure Bermudian students get the best chance for success in the future, Government and the business community must work closely with civic organisations.

Dr. Helen Stemler expressed these views to members of the Hamilton Rotary Club. She said the world Bermudians will meet 20 years into the future will include electronic notebooks, advanced compact discs, digital interaction television and desktop video conferencing which will revolutionise everyone's life.

"A restructured curriculum will not survive our young people well, unless locating, accessing and utilising media in an information age is a significant hub of the school.'' While media and technological literacy are crucial components of the restructured system, Dr. Stemler said multi-culturalism was also important because young people needed to have pride in their ancestry.

To achieve this, educators have to strive to teach history in a "fair and accurate manner that reflects the true history of all Bermuda's people.'' However, teachers needed new textbooks and software in the classrooms as well as a supportive climate that nurtured them in their professional development.

"We know that no matter what skills our young people have unless they have character to go with that they won't retain their job,'' Dr. Stemler added.

"They will get hired on their skills, but get fired because of a lack of interpersonal, communication (skills) or not showing up to work on time.'' Dr. Stemler said that "values education'' was significant and would include such things as literature and stories from other cultures and other times.

The aim would be to inspire students about values like perseverance, honesty and justice.

"All children can learn,'' Dr. Stemler continued. "Rich and poor, fat and thin, black and white...no matter what race, gender or ability, all children if given the opportunity, support and encouragement can learn and succeed.''