Over 200,000 kiwis are involved in continuing education. Over 200 secondary schools are involved. It costs the taxpayer about $16m a year.
In the early eighties I set up the King Country Rural Education Programme (REAP). Adult and community education is a big part of its work. I saw what it did for hundreds of people, old and young, rich and poor, brown and white, people who had suceeded in their first go at post primary education and people who were getting their first real chance.
What was soon obvious to me is that most people get their education in irregular shapes. There is no standard pattern. For a few people it is relatively easy but for others taking that first bite, or the break from their regular life that keeps them sane, it is incredibly difficult.
I saw dozens of kids recruited from spacie parlours do shearing courses that led to them getting jobs – generally as pressers – with shearing gangs. I saw women who hadn’t been inside a secondary school for years learning to decorate cakes with an Army chef as a tutor. People doing assertiveness and self defence courses that changed their lives. People weaving baskets as their culture was renewed.
Many people kicked on and did more formal university education after their eyes were opened and their potential affirmed. Others just acquired a useful skill.
And Anne Tolley wants to chop the 80% of the funding not used for literacy.
Labour thinks that is very short sighted and Maryan Street has started a petition. Download it here.
What do you think?
So much for a brighter future, eh?
The fund-raising side of community education for local schools are going to really feel this. $15m out of state secondary schools, $30m into private schools.
The playing field just got a little less level.
Should the taxpayer be funding pottery classes? Not all of these courses are of equal value and equally deserving.
I seem to recall one institution that was previously considered a brilliant example of continuing education cut off at the knees when the politics got too hot. Twilight golf anyone?
Heh, I went to enrol at AUT and I was told they had closed all enrolments for 2009 due to budget cuts. The only people who can now get a place in a course in computer science at AUT are “full fee paying” foreign students. Putting aside for a second that as a taxpayer I am also full fee paying, it seems this government simply hasn’t got a clue. Thousands going on the dole? Need to raise productivity? National’s answers appear to be to close the universities, build more prisons and instead of getting a better boat, change the labour laws to allow the captain of industry to whip their galley slaves harder.
I was on a school board with an ACE programme a few years ago when there was a major review of adult education. Schools moaned a bit but in the end there was a much more transparent and accountable system, and the ACE programme was more integrated with school governance and other local providers. I think there was more funding offered for the foundation type courses, but ACE providers continued to provide those classes for which there was a community demand such as the practical skills of cooking, sewing, upholstery and learning new languages (even more important in a recession). Not only do these adult education courses provide stepping stones for people into formal education and work, they also ensure more extended use of school resources for the wider community (day and night), and community ‘ownership’ of schools.
I am in the process of considering going back to school to get my doctorate but I see that Budget 2009 has cut the Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarship, which along with the disestablishment of the Enterprise Scholarship means there is no longer a future for the Bright Futures Programme.
That sucks, I haven’t seen any coverage of it, and while its a niche issue likely to excite only those in higher eduction, it is another nail in the coffin of any nice words by National about increasing productivity through researc and education.
Take the hammer to Tolley again please, she is a waste of space.
Well, I’d rather more money be put into primary schools and literacy than adult night classes, it’s just more important. I’ve been on a few of the night classes and they are really about a gossip session and bumming around, I find Tolley very good in the House, she seems really capable and awake.
I suppose if you conmpare her to Nick Smith, Paula Bennett and Judith Collins she does seem pretty good. But that test is about as tough as her National standards.
Remember if parents aren’t +ve about education then a lot of money can be wasted on primary education.
The great thing about night school classes is that you generally go along for just a few weeks, maybe just one night a week, to learn a particular skill.
A few years ago in Palmerston North at Queen Elizabeth College when I was 22 (which was also my secondary school), I did a one night a week course for about eight or nine weeks in HTML, for a cost of $100. If courses like that are gone, I would probably have to enrol at a polytechnic and do a National Certificate for one or two semesters, pay a lot more and study things that I’m not particularly interested in.
If anyone wants a look at what the night school at Queen Elizabeth College offers, click here:
http://www.qec.school.nz/nscourses.htm
Tanya, it is great when a Member of Parliament can stay awake when the house is sitting.
However I find this particular minister has no particular affinity with Education, with her statements varying from the naive to the trite to the contradictory. She seems to be an opportunist, driven by political ideology first, by the needs of Education second. She has much stronger colleagues around her, and no doubt her officials are telling her what THESE COLLEAGUES want to hear.
This is consistent with what Kelvin Davis MP is saying:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00089.htm
We need someone with more experience, clout and analytical capability. Education is a minefield for the uninitiated.
“Well, I’d rather more money be put into primary schools and literacy than adult night classes, it’s just more important.”
No, it isn’t. Things change and the adults need to keep up with those changes otherwise their children will suffer (children do learn from their parents). Never mind the reduction in society as skills that need to be updated or completely changed aren’t.
“Should the taxpayer be funding pottery classes?”
Why not or is it that you just have an issue with NZ actually developing some culture? Sure, I can take the iced water to the table in a plastic bucket bought from the Warehouse but I’d prefer to do so in a beautifully crafted jug.
Jono, apply to an Australian university. All higher degree research here is fully funded for Commonwealth of Australia students, and New Zealanders are counted in that category under reciprocal arrangements. So zero fees meaning no student loan. It isn’t that hard to get a scholarship, but even without one you’ll still be as well of as in NZ. I worked 15 hours per week in NZ even though I qualified for some StudyLink, I work 10 here and earn more.
And while Labour hardly increased research spending in NZ universities and National is cutting it, it’s increasing here all the time. You’re better off on the other side of the ditch, at least for your PhD.
Yeah, I have thought about aussie and several friends have taken up scholies at ANU. But its Australia dude, and it breaks my heart to hear my niece’s drawl when visit NZ from the Sunshine Coast…I couldnt do that to my son!
I am gonna take the hard road and apply to schools in the US. I have always had bad timing.
That being said, it still sucks that a pretty minor (in terms of the education vote, let alone the Budget entire) fund has been dissolved with nary a whimper.
Can we try and keep this thread closer to night classes rather than the whole tertiary education thing. It mightn’t be normal blog form but there is a growing interest in this issue and I’d like to hear the stories of those involved. Ta.
Many see lifelong education as a necessity in this day and age.
I have to agree that it’s short sighted to diminish the accessibility of it to achieve a relatively small cost saving of $16 Million.
Some may argue pottery or Pilates classes are hardly continuing education (why not really if you’re learning something?) but their popularity is also a good indicator of the need for these.
Sorry Trevor, didn’t mean to threadjack this.
One reason we need night classes to stay funded is precisely so that children benefit. We know inter-generational learning works; parents are modelling the behaviour that is helpful to kid’s learning, they are hopefully more able to help kids with their school work and generally more engaged in the education system as a whole.
The point above about funding priorities and not wanting primary schools to miss out is is important too – if there is only x amount and we don’t want to cut funding to primary and secondary schools, what should be cut instead? Personally I think the $30m (?can’t remember the exact amount) put into independent schools could have been sacrificed, especially when we have a generally excellent public education system.
I feel strongly that there is more to adult education classes than just learning a new skill, it’s also about community building, meeting new people and creating a fun environment centred in the school for people who are no longer going to school. This is especially true for parents at home, or other people who need to broaden their social circles.
They are also about passing on skills that can be easily forgotten in modern society, such as learning how to make your own clothes or pottery. These courses are not just mere text-book learning (if they were we would just get the information off the internet) but they are instead a method of remembering and passing on techniques to a modern society and therefore also preserving our culture, and giving us the opportunity to learn about new cultures.
To take these courses away from a school environment damages the wider community even more… it has been seen in societies worldwide that without the social aspect in a community cases of crime and violence rise – not good!
“Should the taxpayer be funding pottery classes?”
if a person takes that class, which then enables them to run a small business and therefore no longer rely on a benefit, i would say the taxpayer should be funding it. even if they were not on a benefit, and the person was able to supplement their income, thereby (for example) being able to afford better quality and healthier food which would reduce health costs, then the taxpayer should be funding it. even if the person received no direct income as a result of taking the class but it improved their interest in learning, and they went on to obtain useful skills in other areas, then the taxpayer should be funding it. even if the only result of a person taking the course was to increase their level contentment in life and meant they felt more positive about themselves (and given that good mental health has an impact on physical health), then the taxpayer should be funding it.
education is a public good, it has benefits way beyond the economic.
Night classes are much more than a hobby and I think adults have the same rights as children to learn new skills.
The primary school needs money of course, but putting people in the situation that everything you can learn is going to be in your early years of your life is very unfair.
You never know what you might need to learn to do in life.
When you are 8 you wouldn’t think of learning a foreign language but maybe in your 30s you get a really good job offer that requires it… if there are no evening classes at a reasonable price what do you do? Too late you should have thought of that when you were in primary school????
A journalism student might need to get some photography skills to be more confident in his or her work.
Evening classes are an amazing things and I think they should be kept going!!!
Trevor, is REAP funding at risk here? If so, as a former REAP chair and tutor I would have a real bob’s worth, (excuse the unintentional pun).
Not right now I think. And to cut it would save very little – just about all of it in tory electorates these days. I will look carefully at the budget background papers. Ed ministry and Treasury have both offered it up for cutting in the past but with Burton and me there it was a bit of a Washington monument offer ie not to be taken seriously.
Is there any chance that the Government is trying to create a hullabaloo about $16 million of Community Education,
as a smokescreen for amendments to the Education Act will have a huge impact.
It seems to me that with all the lobbying and petitioning that the Government might eventually concede .. and all of the activists will have burned out on Community Education when bigger ideological changes – like corporate management of Schools – are introduced!
It reminds me of John Key demonising an insignificant and weak minister like Richard Worth, when others are really doing the damage to the country!
Pottery, cooking etc could be an important stepping stone for someone back into education. Learning how to learn is vital to being able to keep up with the rapid pace of change in contemporary society. If pottery is the vehicle that encourages that learning then great.
The inter-generational benefit is important too. My parents were always doing night classes in areas that interested them and this has inspired me to continue my education while I’m in the workforce. It helps parents to set a good example.
This is a fight worth fighting Trevor, let’s make some noise.
What a sad idea to cut this valuable source of learning.
Sure the class fees do not cover the whole cost but there are clear rules about numbers in a class over, I think , each 3 weeks or it closes.
My secondary school had the motto ‘Scienta Potestas Est’ which loosely
translates as ‘Knowledge is Power’
My Wife & I enjoyed learning French (again) a few years back before going to France on our big geriatric OE.
My wife has tutored Art over several years at 2 colleges.
I am currently a member of a 40 strong community concert band, we rehearse every week in a Secondary School Theatre and this group has been going for 30 years.
Membership is certainly not free but I understand that our rent has helped to some extent till now.
I was hopeful when the 6pm TV3 news mentioned this topic regarding Adult & Community Education in Schools BUT they allowed Bill English to lie on camera in his comment regarding ‘night classes’ National has CUT Two thirds of the funding NOT kept two thirds as he stated. Perhaps Mr English should attend a numeracy night class course because 80% of funding cuts does not equate to a third of the total amount. National has in effect cut all funding relating to Adult Education classes in Schools – with $3 million going to Numeracy and Literacy providers in polytechs & other organisations $16 million has been taken from school programmes – here in Dunedin that will stop 38,000 potential learners from accessing free or reasonably priced education – at the same time Private schools with fee paying learners are having their funds increased by $30 million. Nationwide – 200 coordinator jobs will be lost; 2,000 part-time tutors & 200,000 learners will be unable to access informal, quality adult education. Our courses cater for all adults aged 16 and beyond regardless of wealth, background & ability. It seems that todays NZ government stands for Education if you can afford it NOT education for all!!! Sadly THE class system is alive and well in 21st Century NZ – Well done!
Read Letters to the Editor in today’s NZ Herald.
One correspondent draws a link between Rodney Hide chopping community development from local government, and the government (ACT-led?) removing chopping subsidies to ACE classes.
I’ve heard nothing from the Maori Party about all this but it is high time we did hear.
Is it right to say that National and ACT wanting to turn NZ into a numerate and literate cultural wilderness??!!
Even though PricewaterhouseCoopers ‘Economic evaluation of ACE (June 2008)’ verified the net economic benefits of ACE for NZ’s economy – a funding return of $54-$72 for each dollar of funding spent (i.e. $4902-$6429 million to $88 million) – National/Act’s neoliberal penchant for kicking the underdog (into newly built prisons?) shines right on through. (http://www.crystaladventures.co.nz/ACE/ACEPrice%20Waterhouse%20Coopers%20%20FINAL%20REPORT%20June%2008.pdf). Blinding ideology is preventing the Education Ministers from reading the research? Question answered by Associate Education Minister, Heather Roy’s address to the CEOs of private schools in Wellington 2009, in reference to research about private schools: “I have absolutely no intention of sitting behind my desk reading distant and remote reports in order to form a distant and remote perspective of the independent school sector. From experience [as a mother of children who attend private schools] I know there is no better way to learn and understand than by seeing, doing and talking to the people involved”. (http://www.act.org.nz/news/independent-schools-providing-real-choice-in-education)
The Pricewaterhouse Coopers’ study showed that ACE participants are largely from a low socioeconomic demographic – the standard prison inmate demographic. The fact that National promulgated their intention to create a “more productive, higher income economy”, supports their apparent denial that this country is populated with a large number of typical ‘kiwi blokes’ that know how to use chain saws, fix cars, and kiwi chicks that know how to sustain their communities and cook meat and 3 veg.
Unemployed people, mothers with children at school and the elderly are high users of community courses. ‘Hobbies’ can lead to increased skill level, industry, self employment, further opportunities and employment in industry. Art, recreation, home maintenance courses – hobbies – can increase physical coordination, self esteem and community cohesion, and begin, or continue, interest and confidence in further learning.
National’s budget is obviously not aiming for increased economic and social benefits for New Zealand adults, but increased ‘individual choice’ for parents (those who can afford it), and incarceration for those who are unable to participate in the New Utopia – National’s ‘higher income ecomomy’.
For many, an affordable night class is the equivilant to a much needed holiday! Most go to enjoy something new, be refreshed, stimulated and to have fun. It is often a break from usual routine, whether it be parenting,caregiving or usual employment demands and offers an enjoyable extension in life experience. For some it is simply ‘getting out of the house’ For others an affordable safety net! A varied choice offers a range of learning from positive parenting or yoga for pregnancy or health,to healthy cooking, basic vehicle maintainence or creative art..all useful life skills. Health and well being is maintained in so many ways and I believe ACE could be classed as promoting health. Please continue to fight this issue and make some very loud noise.
Not only should we link Adult Night Classes scrapping with Community funding by local bodies – what about the school staffing cuts in the Budget?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/2501837/Teacher-money-cuts-make-no-sense
Trevor – do you know who is driving this downward spiral for state education in New Zealand.
All so predictable, before the last General Election, except noone was taking notice.
I think it is just part of the national party psyche. Deep down they don’t believe in public education but don’t have the courage to say so. We will continue to push including through Red Alert but the next major opportunity will be when Anne Tolley comes before the select committee on her estimates.
Not all valuable education comes with a measurable qualification with a Government priority attached to validate it.
ACE does provide an opportunity for 2nd change learning in a
non threatening environment and often ignites the love of
learning giving one confidence to take further steps along the pathway of learning, be it in higher education like UCOL or University or in other ACE classes such as learning about computer software to increase employment skills, or small business courses to begin or increase productivity of small businesses, or Sign Language courses enabling family, friends and teacher aides to communicate with the hearing impaired.
AEC does provide courses that contribute to the measurable economic development of New Zealand (The PricewaterhouseCoopers survey gives formally reported evidence as well as those we know from the obvious including the retailers selling specific course requirements to learners, such as clay and glazes, other art supplies, ethnic food supplies, musical instruments, compupter software, even the hireage of council owned venues to hold performances showcasing learners skills.)
Although not acknowedged by Chopper Tolley or the budget
don’t forget that social development also prospers from
the unprioritised social benefits enjoyed by ACE learners as stated in some of the above threads – don’t we want our society to evolve with progressive growth in areas such as
emotional and mental wellbeing, or health? If not, then why
do classes such as Yoga, Pilate, Tai Chi and Bellydancing continue to reach maximum numbers? Aside from analysing the positive course evaluations, continued demand of these types of ‘hobby’ classes, personal self-development and confidence, I admit the social benefits are hard to measure.
100 years of Community Education has made a lot of difference to the many members of our communities, crossing
all strata’s culture and society, abled and disabled, and
the for whom rural isolation is a challenged. Why would we
want to see the past financial and personal investment of ACE
fall into a black hole, possibly never to be seen again?
See http://www.stopnightclasscuts.org.nz
for ways to support the continuation of ACE in secondary schools.
Skills that enhance ‘learning to learning’ has advanced considerably in the past 30yrs and I have seen how ACE classes provides in many contexts that opportunity to begin developing learning skills so people can move on to other courses that improve their employment options. For those who have had negative experiences at school this is their ’second chance’. To withdraw such a large proportion of ACE funding denies my taxes to be invested in skill development that further job opportunities.
I wholeheartedly agree with those who describe community education classes (whatever the subject) to be a stepping stone for reluctant learners. In my workplace I have seen many examples of parents lacking in self esteem, and who had felt they were useless and failures at school, gain in confidence to such an extent, they have gone on to careers which required them to complete tertiary education qualifications. Without the first successes at unrelated classes they would not have had the confidence to do so.
Not everyone who makes up night classes would be in this situation, however, enough are to make them worthwhile.
i also agree that there is a generational impact – as I have witnessed within my own family.
I feel the impact of the self esteem gained by participants is of immeasurable value to their communities.
I am a tutor for the Manukau Family Literacy Programme (MFLP), a free adult learning course that is designed as a foundation to further tertiary education. This course brings families closer together, improves family literacy, and ultimately through future education and employment family standards of living – for every dollar put into students, $9 dollars is returned to the economy. This is done by educating students about child development and needs, child education, as well as building self esteem and creating direction for our learners. I watched the news this morning whereby there was discussion of an open entry level for all Maori students. Fabulous….except… it is my experience that many will not be confident enough to enter such an institution, and nor will they be competent enough to cope with much of the work load. Will this not increase failure statistics? A course such as MFLP is an excellent stepping stone for these students, it builds coping strategies and confidence as it is based on Primary School grounds, the students are able to work alongside their children, and with slow introduction to tertiary institutions. Too bad the government has cut funding and this programme will cease to exist from the end of this year onwards.
The writing was on the wall.
As an ACE supervisor within the rural community of Opotiki I have seen ACE as the ‘poor cousin’ within the tertiary sector get quickily undermined with the introduction of the first ever Tertiary Strategy implemented around 2002. This strategy was focussed on implementing a system of change and two strategies later, this is where we are at.
The writing was on the wall.
Then ACE got shifted out of MOE control and became tertiary bulk funded alongside its more ‘favoured cousins’ the polytechnics and universities. Swimming in a newly established tertiary pool with other competitive ’sharks’ we then saw our funding pool ring-fenced under a newly established tertiary commission, which within a year removed our only once ever ACE representative. We thought it was to protect us from ‘them’. Huh! how naive.
The writing was on the wall.
As all educational organisations know bulk funding inevitably means less money over time and two tertiary statements later we are all but gone, with an unexpected economic recession which gave the new government the excuse to just kill us off that much quicker.
The writing was on the wall.
BUT the ferocity and intensity of the budget cuts blow wasn’t and I am still reeling. I feel we have been let down terribly by both governments and devastated for my community, which relies heavily on ACE funding to provide affordable and meaningful learning opportunities irregardless of age, gender or socio economic status.
This was not on the wall!
I read above about towns like Opotiki.
Broad Adult Community Education should be part of a regional development and community development for towns like Opotiki.
I recall when I lived in such a town myself, that I received some interesting introductions to subjects such as Philosophy and Anthropology. This in turn was a spur to my own reading and curiosity. The benefits flow through to every day life.
But is that what a Government like National wants? Do they want rank and file New Zealanders to be conversant with how their power structures work, do they want critical thinkers?
I think they just want literate and numerate peasants in the community – subservient, obedient, units of production.
National Standards will be like Total Quality Management of factories. ISO 9999 anyone?
In the Warkworth, Wellsford and Mangawhai area we receive $55,000 to administer the ACE programme offering 150 courses for at least 1000 students through college night classes and community group day classes. To offer such a robust (TEC and ERO audited) programme it also involves a similar voluntary contribution of hours by all those involved. A hobby class is often the first step when the confidence in the ability to learn has been lost – a pottery class can lead to the desire to becoming more literate. Its about the opportunity whatever level we find ourselves – seeking new interests, laughing and learning with strangers and gaining practical skills. People need this opportunity. The Govt is throwing ACE out with the Moroccan couscous – and in a recession its the best value for money they will ever get.
Yes they intend to turn towns like Mangawhai and Wellsford into cultural wildernesses – while secondary school buildings stand idle in non-school hours!
Trevor – can you tell us when Anne Tolley will come before the Select Committee and who will be on that Committee? I understand she has been overseas and there has been not success in getting any response from her. It would be good to know the timeframe of her accountability.
Thank you.
I too am a Co-ordinator of ACE in the Manawatu region.
Regarding the Government thinking they are cutting back on
unnecessary “low-value, hobby courses” to save money, I don;t
understand the waste of taxpayers money previously spent….
since the Government are tending to relate to finances rather than any social benefits……
During 2006 “Quality Assurance” (QA) was implemented by TEC when extra funding was distributed to ensure the provision of ACE achieved a national benchmark of quality in all areas (ie admin, tutoring, achievement of learning outcomes etc). All school based ACE was consequently audited by ERO as a requirement of future funding. Guidance with QA was given by and closely monitored by TEC. After a 3 year funding span, QA funding was stopped at the end of 2008. During 2007-2009 we, as providers witnessed the beginning of the dis-establishment of TEC when the regional offices were replaced by a ‘service desk’ call centre in Auckland and wider regional supervision was offered from a few main centres. In 2008 Tertiary profiles were replaced by Investment Plans submitted electronically to the TEC workspaces and now, in 2009 the further dis-establishment continues with our TEC Supervisor’s and other TEC staff being cut so much that TEC has become a face-less Commission.
Bearing the above in mind, it shows that ACE providers are already operating on the vision for tertiary providers of the recent Budget,
“Budget 2009 lays the foundations for simplifying the funding system, lowering compliance costs and reducing central planning.
There will be less emphasis on central control, and greater responsibility for tertiary education organisations to manage the quality and delivery of tertiary education.”
With the dis-establishment of the local regional TEC offices, TEC funded regional ACE networks have been operating as self supporting networks providing support to the many ACE providers in each network area through the sharing of good practice, providing professional development enabling tutors to maximise the educational experience of their learners. These meetings also provide an opportunity for community consultation in meeting the specific learning needs of the various groups within our communities which helps to eliminate duplication of courses.
The lower compliance costs and reduction in central planning has been achieved with the ACE sector. Why waste the money and skills that have been invested into and by the ACE sector
when the outcomes already show the economic benefit this has on our society? (As evidenced in the PricewaterhouseCoopers
report).
Wed 1 July. Morning. Chaired by Peachy. Membership changes a bit but both Maryan Street and I will be there. Nicki Kaye and ? Gilmour generally there from Nats, Roger Douglas from Act.
I work for a small community organisation in Warkworth and our free courses (partly funded by ACE) cover parenting skills and “living well on your income” skills (such as cooking on a budget, growing food, providing healthy lunches for children, making clean green cleaning products etc). Many of our course participants have told us how the courses have changed their lives, made a difference to their family life, helped them make friends, taught them new skills etc. Many of these people are bringing up children and most of them cannot afford to attend these classes on a user-pays basis. Our courses provide a bit of nuturing to the nurturers. Working at grassroots level, we respond very quickly to the needs of our community so our course contents reflect people’s needs. In 08 we put together a budget bread and cheese making course because bread and dairy prices soared and we were overwhelmed by the high enrolments. Our tutors are not only dedicated and inspiring, they are passionate about passing on their skills – and I feel that is why our course participants respond and are such enthusaistic learners. I don’t need Price Waterhouse to tell me how good the outcomes are. Come and visit our classes and meet our students – ordinary NZers who revel in hobbies and personal interests. ACE works so well in our community, it isn’t just education, it’s community, social cohesion, networking, physical and mental wellbeing.
Adult Education is important to the Community and allows people from different backgrounds to interact with each other, and integrate into the community, which enhances everybodies lives.
It gives the housewife a free couple of hours away from the home once a week to follow her own interests and the pensioner to mingle with others i.e. learning to paint,speak another language, learning how to go about doing a home interiors project, cook healthy food for their families to name but a few courses available.
The cuts have an enormous impact on thousands of people – Tutors, Admin Staff as well as the community. In times of economic crisis these facilities are important for people to attend these classess, and try to perhaps start a new career.
They have all paid their taxes and in their time of need they should be able get something back.
To have voted for a Government that do not consider the wellbeing of their people makes one think that perhaps they are not the right people to be doing it!
I am sure that there must be other ways for Government to make up this deficit.
I think they should reinstate this funding.
I will extrememly disapointed if ACE funding is cut. Over the years I have attended several classes and it is one of those Kiwi “things” that you always just expect to be there and to be of value to the next generation. It makes it affordable for those who may not normally be able to attend such classes and essentially motivates adults to learn new skills to create a more interesting community.
Has Anne Tolley done any research on the illiterate who are meant to be turning up for these adult Education Classes? As a co-ordinator for a secondary school’s programme we try to attract the above without much success. So far Anne Tolley has refused to meet with the Community Learning Association in Schools CLASS. There has been no consultation with people who could of advise. In this community it is all the more bitter because the govt. found $35,000,000 for the elite private schools.
The mp that we visited didn’t have any idea, thought the govt was saving $60,000,000 not $13,000,000. Also had no idea that the average wage in this area is only $20,000 per adult pa.
My community is more interested in being computer literate, so with the co-operation of my school and the use of their computers we are able to provide a class that fits this communities needs.
Where else are there cooking rooms, sewing machines, drama rooms, woodwork facilities, and class rooms.
I just can’t help thinking of all the empty school car parks and class rooms Feb 2010.
As well as all the knowledge that the tutors have to share with their communities is that also going to be lost?
I have been a tutor and when I think of all the unpaid hours of preparation, arriving early and leaving after the last student plus all my resources it is heart breaking.
National will go down as the gov. that destroyed adult community education.
I too am extremely disappointed about the cutting of the ACE funding as I think they offer a lot of opportunity to people in the community.
School night classes have been around for so long and so many people have benefited from these. From those that didn’t quite get the results from school qualifications to those that want to get out of the house and learn a new hobby or skill.
I am a mother of two little ones and have been out of the community for a little while. These classes have enabled me to have some sort of normality and get me back into the community at a time more suitable to me. I have also been able to meet new people and also acquire new skills at the same time. I am very keen to carry on with the night classes and at the moment I am able to afford them. When the funding is stopped then I, and a lot of other people will simply not be able to afford to go to carry on.
Also another concern is, if the schools stop organising these classes, who will offer them in the future. It will stop a lot of people, like myself from being able to better themselves.
As a concerned voter and tax payer, I hope our concerns will be heard!
I have emailed every National m.p. on this subject, their replies have varied between stock statements, ‘recession’ blah blah to accusing me of ‘jealousy’ and defending private schools as they ‘pay for themselves through g.s.t.’!! A mixed mob of metaphorical morons. I’m so angry about this, and, as I’m beginning to see, so is the rest of New Zealand, except for the Nats, of course.
[...] Labour has opposed the cuts since they were announced. Note there is a national day of action against the cuts this Saturday. The details of events right around the country are here. « A fair deal in hard times [...]
very sad that the funding has been cut