Round glasses clinging on to his broad nose and wearing a moss green chord trouser, a simple cotton shirt with a bag slung over his shoulder, Vaidas Bacys looked his present day part perfectly - that of a village school teacher. Bacys however is widely regarded as one of Lithuania's most respected ministers.
Having served a full term as the minister of state for education between 2009-2012, Bacys has now become a global example - instead of clinging to a high powered designation, he embarked on a mission that has already started to bear fruit - improve enrolment of students in local village schools at the grassroots level.
Soon after the end of his tenure as minister, he joined back as a regular teacher in a village school.
On being asked why he decided to work in the grassroots, Bacys who is now a history teacher and head master of the Aukstelke village grammar school in Siauliai city jokingly told TOI "for the long holidays. As a minister I would get 30 days of annual leave. As a teacher I get 56 days instead".
He also added with a wry smile "As a minister, I had a secretary. Here in the school, I have two deputies and one secretary".
On a serious note, he added "I feel it is my mission to teach. Before I became a minister, I spent 14 hours a day teaching history to my students. What I love about being a teacher is the constant engagement with young people. I care more for the respect that I get from my students who later become successful as against a fancy government position".
Lithuania has about 500 village schools. Every year, the country enrols three lakh students of which over one lakh go to village schools. The Education Commission of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the first official ministry of education in Europe set up on October 14, 1773.
Lithuania's education system improved immensely during Bacys' tenure. "We dramatically cut down red tape in schools, paperwork for enrolment and functioning of institutions was slashed and more autonomy was given to schools. Pre-school education was given a major boost in rural areas. Even during the global economic meltdown, the salaries of teachers in Lithuania weren't slashed. The attendance in higher secondary education improved dramatically," Bacys who now teaches history and civic education to ninth grade students said.
Bacys is now a member of the City Council and is working tirelessly to improve admissions to village schools.
"I have been a teacher all my life which made my life a lot easier when I was a minister. While framing policies, experts often would argue with me but because of my understanding of ground realities, it was easier for me to take the decisions," Bacys said.
His school has now become the public meeting spot for the local community. "I want to make this school home for parents and students".
Bacys has also introduced a path breaking new legislation that stipulates a day in every week where students and teachers come together to talk freely about their life, the challenges they face as students in a session moderated by the principal.
Almost 90% of the students who visit the village school are also served a free meal supported by the state.
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