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New education strategy for Manukau
4 May 2007
New education strategy for Manukau
Planning for a new education strategy for Manukau is
underway, with a series of community consultation meetings
about to begin. It is being coordinated by COMET, the City
of Manukau Education Trust.
The strategy will be linked to the goals for education improvements in the 10 year vision for the city, Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo, which have the overall aim of raising education and qualification levels.
The process was kicked off last weekend with an outpouring of ideas and comment from delegates at a citywide education conference held at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre.
Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says improving education is vital for the future of the city. He addressed the conference and urged the attendees to go back to their individual schools or communities and start a debate about the best way to move forward.
"The whole community must be involved in shaping the strategy, including schools, parents and even the business community. A key issue is to find ways to persuade more of our Pacific and Maori students to stay in school longer and become qualified.
"Far too many of our young people are leaving school inadequately qualified and poorly prepared, not only for the workforce, but for life. We need to find a way to support them to do better in the education system, and to re-connect with it."
During the conference a strong plea was made for more bilingual education opportunities to allow students to study, and become fluent, in two languages.
Another theme was how schools can develop stronger relationships with the business community. Sir Barry says there are many things businesses can contribute and there are benefits for both sides from a closer connection.
"Businesses get a better understanding of the challenges and problems facing teachers and principals, while schools achieve a clearer picture of the wider world beyond the school gates. It's a world every pupil is going to be part of when they enter the workforce, and which they need to know about."
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