Youth issues
Recently I’ve had several groups of local students come and visit me at Parliament. I’ve really enjoyed talking to students from Poroutawhao School and Levin Junior Neighbourhood Support about my role and the issues I deal with.
I’ve also recently met with Education Horowhenua and ministry officials to discuss how our students are achieving at a national level.
We do pretty well overall when you consider our demographics, but there is room for improvement, particularly at University Entrance level.
This is why the Government has set important targets on improving performance across the country. We want to see 98% of all children taking part in early childhood education, and 85% achieving at least NCEA Level 2.
National Standards will be an important tool in achieving this. It’s crucial that parents and teachers know how each student is achieving, and target those most in need of extra help.
There are already a number of great local projects happening locally to support young people. In Horowhenua Life to the Max is providing a wrap-around service for at-risk youths who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
At my old school Waiopehu College, the Cactus programme run this year involves the very successful boot-camp style sessions. The school also has Blake House providing health services, and a teen parent unit is on the way.
Kapiti Youth Support (KYS) provides a free, confidential health service for young people and recently opened a new premise in Otaki.
I was very impressed with Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan and the words of advice he had for students on his recent visit to Levin. He told them the importance of resisting peer pressure, saying no to drugs and above all, having the passion and determination to succeed. It was great advice.