Dimming the lights at night classes ‘for a brighter future’ – PPTA launches dimming.co.n z
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
