MOST CHILDREN WANT TO BECOME TEACHERS

Humphrey Carter SO, what did you want to be when you grew up and, more importantly, did your dream come true? In an age when in some parts of Europe, teachers, vets and doctors are in short supply, a recent survey has discovered that 30 percent of Balearics children aged between six and 12 want to be a teacher when they grow up with vets and doctors the third and fourth most popular future professions. However, the second most popular option, with a 21 percent share, is to become a professional footballer. But, professional footballers are not the biggest role models in Spain. In fact, none out of the children said that footballers are their role models setting the best examples. Nevertheless, here in the Balearics, the most popular personality amongst six to 12 years old is the Majorcan tennis star Rafael Nadal who is currently ranked number two in the world. But, despite the efforts of Real Mallorca and its handful of Majorcan players, Barcelona's FIFA Footballer of The Year, Brazilian Ronaldinho is the second most popular personality with Spanish basketball sensation Pau Gasol, third. However, while these three sporting heroes may provide some inspiration, the driving force behind six out of every ten children is their parents. percent praised the support provided by their teachers and valued their backing. What is more, it appears that Balearics children have a very high level of self-esteem: 54 percent said that they are “proud of themselevs” for the results obtained at school and the daily chores they carry out. Balearic children are also very responsible: 67 percent claim they behave themselves at home and have to concentrate “as much as possible” at school. 19 percent, in particular the youngest, say they need to make a greater effort and concentrate more. Balearic kids can also take the highs with the lows and very few claim to get disheartened if they do not achieve the results desired. percent of six to 12 year-olds appear to have a “never say die” attitude and if they do not make the grade “try again.” Only five prcent admitted that they tend to give up if they fail. What is more, 67 percent say they stick by their friends and are always on hand to offer encouragement to their fellow colleagues. The survey was carried out by the non-governmental children's organisation Aldeas Infantiles SOS which has carried out the survey every year since 1998. In total, 18.800 schools across the country participated in the study with 7.800 pupils canvassed here in the Balearics. Aldeas Infantiles SOS was set up to promote families, the importance of a stable home environment and well-grounded education for a secure future.