Company Overview - Société BIC has a total of 40,861,314 issued shares as of December 31, 2025 [2] - The company has 57,596,814 voting rights, with 57,417,040 voting rights excluding shares without voting rights [6] Upcoming Events - Full Year 2025 Results are scheduled for February 24, 2026 [3] - First Quarter 2026 Net Sales will be reported on April 28, 2026 [3] - The Annual General Meeting is set for May 20, 2026 [3] Company Profile - BIC is a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, with a presence in over 160 countries and more than 13,000 employees [4] - The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and education, and is listed on Euronext Paris, included in the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the significant impact of AI tools like Claude Code, Gemini, and ChatGPT on productivity and learning curves in engineering and education, suggesting that these tools can drastically reduce the time required to complete projects and learn new skills [1][6]. Group 1: AI Tools in Engineering - Engineers at major tech companies, including Google, have reported that using AI tools has significantly shortened project completion times, with one engineer stating that a task that took a year could now be done in just one hour using Claude Code [2][4]. - The emergence of AI coding tools has led to a shift in the learning curve for new employees, reducing the time needed to familiarize themselves with large codebases from months to just days [6]. Group 2: AI Tools in Education - The article highlights a debate on the role of AI in education, with some arguing that AI can streamline the research process for students, allowing them to grasp complex academic papers more quickly [9][10]. - However, there are concerns that while AI can accelerate learning, it may not foster the same depth of understanding and critical thinking that traditional methods encourage [11][12]. Group 3: Future of Education - The discussion raises questions about the relevance of traditional higher education in light of AI advancements, suggesting that skills such as curiosity and the ability to collaborate with AI may become more important than years of experience [12]. - The ongoing debate reflects a broader societal shift regarding the value of time spent in education versus the skills and knowledge acquired [11][12].

Chikondi Banda shares a bedroom with her grandmother in the house her grandmother grew up in. One day, Chikondi hopes to have her own bedroom after she completes her education thanks to a scholarship you provided from the KIND Fund. Learn more about how you can help girls like Chikondi in Malawi at lastwordesks.ms.now » Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@msnow MS NOW is the go-to destination for domestic and international breaking news, and best-in-class opinion journalism. For more context and n ...

Personal Development & Overcoming Adversity - The speaker shares a personal story about overcoming severe bullying in adolescence, which significantly impacted self-confidence and self-worth [1] - The speaker discusses experiencing attachment issues due to growing up with grandparents who eventually left, and feeling resentment towards working parents [1] - The speaker highlights the transformative experience at Deerwalk Institute, where supportive friends helped overcome insecurities and imposter syndrome [1] - The speaker describes a turning point during a trip to a remote village in Solukhumbu as a computer teacher, which led to personal healing and a sense of purpose [1] Social Impact & Entrepreneurship - The speaker initiated "Tech for All Nepal" with friends to address the educational and digital divide in Nepali community schools [1] - "Tech for All Nepal" evolved into "GuruGuaama," an offline-accessible AI teaching assistant designed to deliver quality education in remote classrooms with limited resources [1] - The speaker presented the project and research on AI as a teacher at an international stage in Malaysia in August 2025 [1] - Research is underway to determine the effectiveness of AI as a teacher before deploying it in schools, with potential publication before 2026 [1]

Education & Economic Opportunity in Rural Areas - Lower education levels in rural areas, particularly Appalachia, lead to lower-paying jobs and increased reliance on social programs like SNAP, where 21% of households in central Appalachia rely on SNAP benefits, 10% higher than the national average [10][11] - The evolving job market requires technical training and education to avoid worker displacement due to automation, with up to 30% of hours worked across the US at risk of being automated [6][7] - A bachelor's degree provides a path to long-term stability, with individuals earning on average $40,500 more over their lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma [9] Higher Education Accessibility & Impact - Only 26% of residents in Appalachia have a bachelor's degree, compared to the national average of 40%, highlighting a significant gap in access to higher education [1][8] - Regional universities can play a crucial role in community development by connecting students with local industries and promoting civic engagement [15][16] - Education should provide individuals with the tools to imagine a life beyond just making ends meet, fostering a sense of possibility and community growth [4][13][18] Strategies for Improvement - Universities and institutions should enhance technical education, engage with civic leaders, and tie education to real economic opportunities in rural areas [17] - Expanding degree equivalencies for work and life experiences can make education more accessible [17] - Reimagining education and recognizing the value of lived experiences can rebuild belief, spark hope, and break the cycle of limitations in rural communities [18][19]

Education & Future Skills - Education is shifting from memorizing facts to asking better questions, solving problems, collaborating, and lifelong learning [3] - The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is crucial in a constantly changing world [7] - Empathy, creativity, and kindness remain uniquely human skills [8] Technology's Role in Education - Technology is transforming learning through online courses and AI tutors, making knowledge more accessible and engaging [7] - Technology enables new ways of thinking and problem-solving [6] Preparing for the Future - Individuals should embrace curiosity, adaptability, and challenges [7] - The focus should shift from "what can I do when I grow up" to "what kind of world do I want to help create" [8]

In 2025 The Economist Educational Foundation reached more than 500,000 young people. By the end of 2026 it aims to reach 1m schoolchildren, with an emphasis on those from low-income backgrounds. But it needs your help https://t.co/PgbuU2d7HqPhoto: Dunja Opalko https://t.co/HOfqsbKPyJ ...

Created in order to either save money or attract teachers, four-day school weeks were previously a rural phenomenon. But they are now reaching into more towns and cities. We explain why https://t.co/pR40yLFc1EPhoto: Getty Images https://t.co/anwPk7Os4D ...

Over 2,100 schools operate this way and every state west of the Mississippi now allows it. How much less teaching takes place during a four-day week depends on each district’s policy https://t.co/mnxV5bVN5G ...

Created in order to either save money or attract teachers, four-day school weeks were previously a rural phenomenon. But they are now reaching into more towns and cities. We explain why https://t.co/krcFJwmcww ...