Night classes may be down­ but they’re not out

Night classes may be down but they’re not out

The end of government funding for adult education night classes will be marked with a presentation to local MP Nick Smith at his Saturday Market stand.

Organiser and Nayland College Adult Community Education Coordinator Kathryn Sclater says adult students and tutors will be walking along Hardy Street to the market to present Nick with an artwork made by students.

“The mural has been done by our students and represents the creativity we will now draw on as a community to keep adult education alive,” she said. “It’s a gift to mark the end of an era - we will also give away 100 balloons symbolising the century that night classes have been part of New Zealand’s educational landscape.”

Ms Sclater said students and tutors are determined to keep night classes going, but recognise it will now have to be on a completely different basis.

“There is a lot of goodwill in adult education and we are looking at creative ways to continue to offer educational opportunities to adults regardless of their gender, ethnicity or educational background,” she said. “Government has elected to support just one sector, but with community and business support we aim to keep offering opportunities for people to be lifelong learners, to build their confidence and to strengthen our communities.”

Anyone who wants to join in the presentation to Nick Smith is invited to meet at 11.15am on Saturday September 12 at the Vanguard St end of the Countdown Carpark. The presentation will take place at Nick Smith’s caravan at the Saturday Market at 11.45am.

ENDS

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