King Felipe VI has made an emotional defense of the value of education as the foundation of progress and democracy, and also as a tool for learning to think, question, and listen, during his visit to the Canadian boarding school where he completed his final year before entering university and where he recalled that he "grew up and matured."
The monarch has concluded his official trip to Canada at Lakefield College School, located in the region of Ontario. He studied at this center during the 1984-1985 academic year and, this Thursday, has been distinguished as an honorary patron. Likewise, he has attended the presentation ceremony of the new student center, which will bear the name 'King Felipe VI of Spain'.
At this boarding school, he recalled, he did not only receive "academic knowledge." "I also grew and matured in the values of effort, friendship, and commitment," he stated, highlighting that he forged friendships there that have been maintained "through time and distance" and evoking some experiences from that period.
In Lakefield, he added, "I truly learned to understand that education is not simply a phase of life, but the ground on which a life is molded."
Felipe VI has emphasized that "education is one of the great pillars on which our societies are sustained," insisting that "it is inseparable from progress and also essential for the vitality of our democracies."
Education, he continued in his plea, "does not impose ideas, but rather allows us to think, question, and understand" and, in doing so, "we learn not only to know, but to discern; not only to speak, but also to listen; and not only to aspire for ourselves, but to contribute for others."
In this vein, he has defended that "critical thinking and caring and acting for the common good make us better citizens, more altruistic, concerned, and understanding."
Role of Teachers and Public Leadership
Felipe VI has also wanted to highlight the essential role of teachers, placing them "at the heart of this mission." Addressing the present teaching staff, he stated that "your work goes beyond the transmission of knowledge" and emphasized that "you guide, challenge, and inspire."
"Through your dedication and example, you encourage young people to think independently, to maintain curiosity, and to grow with confidence and humanity," added the King, recognizing their influence in the formation of new generations.
In the final part of his speech, he expressed his recognition to Lakefield. "I have the honor of representing Spain all over the world and I can assure you that many of the values I learned at Lakefield have played an important role in preparing me for the job," he stated.
In his opinion, the vision of his former boarding school, "to inspire leaders who care, connect, and contribute," fully aligns with the demands of the present. Today, he emphasized, "leadership requires more than competence; it demands integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to engage with others in a spirit of respect and openness."
According to Felipe VI, public leadership "is indispensable." Democracies, he argued, "depend on individuals who are willing to serve, to defend shared values, and to work for the common good, even when it is challenging." In his reflection, he summarized that "to lead is not to impose, but to guide; not to divide, but to unite; not to seek recognition, but to serve others."
Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the "honor" of being named honorary patron of the school, a distinction he has accepted with "responsibility and commitment." He recalled that Lakefield offered him "not only knowledge and unforgettable experiences, but also friendships that I will treasure for a lifetime."