6. Hon MARYAN STREET (Labour) to the Minister for Tertiary Education: Does he stand by the decisions the Government has made with respect to funding adult and community education?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Tertiary Education) : Yes. This Government has had to make some difficult decisions regarding adult and community education, because the previous administration left behind a $521 million hole of unfunded commitments in Budget 2008.
Hon Maryan Street: In this New Zealand Sign Language Week, is the Minister aware that his predecessor had this to say last year about guaranteeing funding for sign language classes: “New Zealand Sign Language will continue to receive adult and community education funding, because it fits within the Government’s adult and community education priority. … The courses will not be cut.”; if he is, how is it that sign language classes previously held at Napier Boys’ High School, Tamatea High School, and Hastings Boys’ High School are no longer running in 2010, because of funding cuts?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Yes, I am aware of that.. In relation to the Hawke’s Bay schools that the member mentioned, I am not aware of the specific provision in Hawke’s Bay. But if she would like me to make some inquiries on her behalf, I am happy to do so.
Lynne Pillay: How is it that sign language classes at Tikipunga High School, which serves the Whangarei, Kaikohe, and Kerikeri areas; at Rutherford College in Te Atatū; at Kelston Boys High School, which is right beside the Kelston Deaf Education Centre; at Tauranga Boys College; and at Tauranga Girls College are all unable to deliver services this year because of funding cuts?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The Government has made a decision to refocus adult and community education funding on providing a number of programmes, including literacy, language, numeracy and foundation skills, and sign language. The individual funding decisions are made by the Tertiary Education Commission. But if the member has concerns about the lack of provision in a particular area, I invite her to contact my office and I will investigate that.
Hon Maryan Street: If sign language is one of the Government’s priorities for adult and community education, how in New Zealand Sign Language Week is it that courses at Fairfield College and Melville High School in Hamilton, at Shirley Boys High School in Christchurch, and at Taieri College in Dunedin cannot be offered in 2010, because of funding cuts; is this a sign of how the Government delivers its priorities?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE: As I said to the previous speaker, the funding decisions are made by the Tertiary Education Commission, based on the Government’s priorities. Once again, I am happy to address any specific concerns about lack of provision in a particular area, but schools and other providers are prioritised by the Tertiary Education Commission. I note that the biggest reduction in Adult and Community Education funding occurred under the previous Government, where the number of students funded for Adult and Community Education dropped from 279,000 students in 2004 to 77,000 students in 2008.
This week in the Beehive
Media Release (more images available on request)
February 23, 2010
Dimming the lights at night classes ‘for a brighter future’ – PPTA launches dimming.co.nz
The National Party’s slogan ‘securing a brighter future’ is a far cry from the effects of its policy, says PPTA president Kate Gainsford.
“And nowhere is this more evident than the slashing of adult community education (ACE) funding in schools by 80%,” she said.
As part of a continuing campaign to ensure informed debate on an issue that is not going to go away, PPTA is launching an animated video clip.
The clip can be found at www.dimming.co.nz, an interactive website that provides an opportunity for the public to contribute their thoughts on ACE issues and let the government know that the cuts were a very dim idea.
“This is particularly important given the fact National plans to strip a further $80 million from ACE in the tertiary sector, Gainsford said.
“What message does this send to the population about the importance of ongoing learning?
“Building a skills strategy and investing in education is the way out of the recession,” she said.
“The government has failed to listen to the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who have had their lives enriched by night classes. They had no mandate to make these cuts and have ignored the fact that night classes have made a significant contribution to the economy at a minimal cost.
“The ACE cuts were a serious error of judgment, and we need the government to accept that a review is required,” she said.
Contact: PPTA President Kate Gainsford (04) 913 4227 or 021 822 001.
Jane Benefield
Advisory Officer
PPTA
DD: 04 913-4241
By JESSICA SUTTON – The Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 12/02/2010
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/3319570
Sigh language night classes have been canned in Manawatu after a fee hike made them unaffordable.
Classes at the adult and community education centres in Manawatu – Feilding Community Learning Centre and Queen Elizabeth College Community Education – have not been able to get minimum enrolment numbers for term one. Fees went up almost 150 per cent from last year.
Sign language is one of New Zealand’s three official languages.
Feilding Community Learning Centre manager Jo Brew said it had to cancel. “It’s sad not only for me but for the community, and it’s bigger than us [the centre] … it’s the effect it will have on New Zealand Sign Language in Manawatu,” Mrs Brew said.
Queen Elizabeth College Community Education executive officer Pearl Parker said it was disappointing.
“We only had two people enrolled in one of the classes … it’s an important thing to teach but it is just the costs involved,” Mrs Parker said.
Feilding’s courses cost $50 last year and $145 this year. Palmerston North’s course costs $150 per term this year.
Fees went up due to the Government’s Budget cuts in May 2009, which hit nightclasses across the country, and although former Minister of Tertiary Education Anne Tolley said NZSL would continue to get funding, nightclasses in the region say they haven’t received any.
Labour Disability Issues spokeswoman Lynne Pillay said this was a big loss to the deaf community and the New Zealand community. “The shortsightedness of the cuts by the Government and price hikes have made sign language classes out of reach for the average Kiwi and it is exactly what we predicted would happen when Anne Tolley made the cuts,” she said.
Jackie Davidson has been a New Zealand Sign Language tutor for 16 years. I feel so sad and very disappointed … I can’t believe that all the New Zealand Sign Language night classes in Manawatu have been cancelled this term.
“I know it is because people just can’t afford to pay triple price for fees anymore,” Mrs Davidson said.
Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Noble said the loss of nightclasses in the region was a tragedy.
“It reflects the commitment that’s needed in the provision of sign language classes in New Zealand.”
She said the problem is across ministerial responsibilities yet it should be treated the same way as Maori language is treated.
An open consultation on the development of sign language in New Zealand is being undertaken by Deaf Aotearoa. Mrs Noble said the information would be used to advise the Government when the New Zealand Sign Language Act is reviewed later this year.
Both community centres will offer New Zealand Sign Language nightclasses next term.
Most New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) classes are delivered through community education and are used by parents and families of deaf children, teachers, nurses, police and workmates. They are taught by trained NZSL tutors based on a curriculum especially developed for community classes.
By SANDRA CROSBIE – Feilding Herald
Last updated 14:07 19/01/2010
SANDRA CROSBIE/Feilding Herald
HELPING OUT: Jackie Davidson, left, is a locally admired and respected teacher of New Zealand’s third official language sign language.
Feilding’s Jackie Davidson is concerned about the future of New Zealand’s third official language.
The teacher of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) said the government needs to realise how vital is it for NZSL to be taught.
“It has been a big part of my life. I have been profoundly deaf since childhood and know the barriers, social isolation and communication difficulties of growing up deaf,” said Mrs Davidson.
She has been teaching at Feilding Community Learning Centre since February 1994.
“I want deaf children to grow up with a good life, with a chance to fulfil their dreams in life and to have successful careers.
“Not only is it important for deaf children to understand their language and culture, it is important for their family and friends to know.”
The withdrawal of funding by the government for “night school” classes has seen the cost of classes at Feilding’s Community Learning Centre increase from $50 to $145.
“I am concerned some people won’t be able to afford the new prices,” she said. To continue offering these classes, a minimum number of students have to enrol.
“They [deaf children] need to be able to communicate with people in everyday life. Night classes are really useful for adults to learn NZSL.
“A common reason is often that their newborn or toddler is deaf. NZSL is an important part of bonding between the parent and child. Families of deaf children no longer have access to a deaf resource person.
“It is also going to be harder… as it will cost around $400 to $500 for three courses to access NZSL so they can communicate with their children.”
“There are many other reasons why people attend my NZSL classes; a friend, family member or work colleague may be deaf, or it may just be out of pure interest.”
Mrs Davidson has also recently been made redundant from her primary job of seven years as a deaf resource person assisting deaf children, their families and professionals within the Manawatu/Taranaki area with their needs, educating them about their language and culture.
“Where does this take me now?” she asked.
“I want to be able to use my skills and knowledge to the best of my ability and help, not only for deaf children and their families, but also other New Zealanders, by educating them more about NZSL and the culture.”
Thursday, 11 February, 2010 – 16:55
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/pillay-time-joyce-clean-tolley039s-mess/5/38121
Lynne Pillay
Labour’s Disability Issues spokesperson Lynne Pillay says it’s time for Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce to clean up the mess Anne Tolley left around sign language education.
“We’re in a shocking situation. In just two months we’ve seen funding support for tertiary students in Auckland and support for families of deaf children slashed, ” Lynne Pillay said.
“Add to that the scrapping of the Training Incentive Allowance, and the opportunities for deaf students to participate in tertiary education are bleak.
“The National Government has recognised the chaos Anne Tolley has created and removed her from the role. But now it’s time for Steven Joyce to clean up the mess Anne Tolley has left behind. “And there’s more! Under National’s cuts to Adult and Community Education, (ACE) schools offering night classes have dropped to around 10% of those in 2009 and the costs have tripled.
“This means the opportunity to learn sign language at night school is now almost non existent.
“Labour sent many warnings to Anne Tolley that this would happen, but she and her National colleagues ignored them.
“I am calling on Steven Joyce to fix this situation – to reinstate ACE funding and support for deaf students.
“It is appalling that having ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, that under National it is becoming almost impossible to learn sign language, New Zealand’s third official language,” Lynne Pillay said.
By SANDRA CROSBIE – Feilding Herald
Last updated 14:07 19/01/2010
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/feilding-herald/3241893/The-importance-of-sign-language
Sign language students at Feilding Community Learning Centre, are voicing their concerns on the lack of funding for New Zealand’s third official language.
Derek Smith a sales consultant in his second year of learning sign says he “took up studying NZSL because of my inability to communicate with the many hearing impaired customers who I come into contact with at work. I can now confidently communicate with deaf people and find I get a great response.”
When her youngest son Daniel, 10, developed hearing problems Karen Curtis started learning sign language.
“It is most likely his hearing will be OK as an adult but it is not completely guaranteed. We decided to learn sign language just in case. Learning it means we can be helpful to others and open different doors to the many deaf people. There are very few people who learn NZSL who don’t have a genuine need to learn sign language.”
After a close family member had an illness which caused her to lose her hearing, Tracey Lanfear started learning to sign.
“When she started going deaf she attended Jackie’s classes and now teaches deaf children in Auckland. It was amazing to see how learning sign language re-opened her world. When she became ill it became a real eye opener for me as to how few people knew NZSL and yet it is officially our third language.”
Susan Trembath has found her two NZSL courses invaluable. “These courses provide one of the only links to learn sign language within the Manawatu and its loss would be devastating. Not only would we be losing a wonderful educational and knowledgeable resource, but NZSL would, once again, become a seriously under-utilised communication tool.”
Lisa and Steve Daly’s 20-month-old daughter Harriet was diagnosed as deaf.
“The more we learnt about deafness and the deaf culture the more we thought about her identity as a deaf person,” said Lisa.
“We thought – why not make it easier for her and make it part of her life from a young age? It will certainly not hurt us to bend to her a little as well, as we learn a new language.
“We will never be able to fully understand what being deaf is like for her. I want her to have access and a connection to people who do understand her and she can identify with.”
Teacher, Kelly Rutherford has attended two NZSL classes.
“Te Reo Maori is compulsory in education now and as NZSL is our third language I believe people should be able to access and learn it easily.”
By TINA LAW – The Press
Last updated 05:00 13/02/2010
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3323236/Community-education-rolls-shrink
Community education classes in Christchurch have been slashed following low enrolments, with people shying away from higher prices after a reduction in Government funding.
Adult community education co-ordinators are hoping the drop-off is only temporary and people will come back once they get used to the new prices.
Community Learning Association Through Schools president Maryke Fordyce said enrolments across the city were at least 50 per cent down on previous years.
Christchurch schools lost more than $1 million in funding for adult community education courses after the Government announced in May last year it was slashing the budget from $16m to $2.8m.
Only three schools in Christchurch – Riccarton High School, Christchurch Girls’ High School and Hagley Community College – received funding, but they had to meet strict new criteria, offering courses supporting literacy and numeracy.
The move forced many schools to either ditch their programmes or run fewer self-funded courses at higher prices.
Papanui High School principal Denis Pyatt said the low number of enrolments was to be expected, but he hoped New Zealand’s experience would mirror what had happened in Australia, where people were at first put off by the price hikes, but then returned.
“Once people come to terms with the new environment, I am certain they will realise that adult education courses still provide extraordinarily good value.”
The programmes would be lost unless people supported them, he said.
Hillmorton High School adult and community education co-ordinator Christine Philpott said the school offered 30 classes in term one last year. This year it had advertised 16 and, so far, eight were going ahead.
Hornby High School adult and community education organiser Jill Husband said her school advertised 25 courses and only six were going ahead. It was heartbreaking, because some courses might have attracted eight people, but they needed 10 to go ahead.
Courses that had been running at the school for 16 years, such as woodwork and pottery, were not going ahead this year. The woodwork course had risen in price from $60 for 14 weeks to $85 for eight weeks.
Cashmere High School adult and community education co-ordinator Euan Quaid said 27 courses had been advertised and just 14 were going ahead.
The school was running mostly music courses, as well as Italian cooking and Spanish. Both those courses were running with fewer students than needed to make them viable.
“The rest of the music courses are holding on for grim life. We’re trying to keep them running,” Quaid said.
Most of the music courses would stretch into term 2, but he was not sure if courses would run in term 3, because of the limited interest.
Philpott, Husband and Quaid all believed the lack of enrolments was not only because of the price hikes, but also because of a lack of advertising.
The funding cut meant the schools could not advertise their courses as widely as they had in the past and many people had assumed the courses were not running.
