Ray of sunshine gone in budget gloom

Media Release

Ray of sunshine gone in budget gloom
2 June 2009

In these times of doom and gloom – learning is the ray of sunshine that people and our communities need” says the Community Learning Association in Schools (CLASS) President – Maryke Fordyce.

“Over 200,000 adults enrol in Adult and Community Education (ACE) courses every year. Cuts in funding will change the landscape of community learning as we know it”.

“There is a broader issue here. ACE in Schools is being made an example of and the government wants to be seen to be cutting costs however in the scheme of government expenditure; ACE is not a big budget item. ACE provides valuable and cost effective learning opportunities and this will impact the community”.

ACE in schools supports various Community groups. With dwindling grants, sponsorship and donations from other sources, the axing of $1.6 million will mean that community groups suffer – twice. Flexible learning held throughout New Zealand in garages, churches and community group facilities will all be chopped.

CLASS is extremely disappointed in the government's decision to cut funding to ACE programmes in schools and their respective communities.

ENDS

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