Fears confirmed on future of Night Classes

Fears confirmed on future of Night Classes
Community Learning Association through schools (CLASS)
Friday 9th October 2009

“The fears of communities around New Zealand are confirmed. Less than a quarter of schools currently offering night classes, will do so in 2010. It doesn’t matter how much political spin you put on these stats – National has killed a 100 year institution. Of the 212 schools currently offering Adult Community Education (ACE), already at this stage, 86 schools have opted out – the government have made it impossible for many schools and communities to offer night classes”says Maryke Fordyce - President of the Community Education Learning Association through Schools (CLASS).

The decision by the Minister of Education – Hon Anne Tolley to cut 80% funding to school based ACE in 2010 has met widespread criticism from learners, community leaders, organisations and schools. National will reinvest only 20% of current ACE funding to schools into Numeracy, Literacy, Foundation skills, Te Reo and Sign language.

“The Tertiary Education Commission triumphantly announced that there are 25,000 “new”learning opportunities for adults through schools next year however this is untrue. This is not new provision as Schools currently offer 200,000 learning opportunities for adults. The government is minimising the devastating effects of their decision. Whole communities will miss out. This is a historic turn for the worst – a real educational and social travesty.”

In 2011, the future for other ACE organisations will be reviewed.

“I seriously question the National government’s commitment to Adult and Community Education. ACE through schools contributes 200,000 of the 400,000 learners that enrol annually. New Zealand’s international reputation as a leader in ACE has been dealt a savage blow. The government for all its rhetoric has turned its back on life-long learning by destroying the sector” says Maryke Fordyce.

For more information go to www.stopnightclasscuts.org.nz

ENDS