New teen parent unit and early education centre great news for Horowhenua
Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the announcement of a new Teen Parent Unit and Early Childhood Education centre to be established at Waiopehu College in Levin, providing schooling for young parents who would otherwise drop out of the schooling system.
“This will be a real asset for Horowhenua. Without this help, many young parents are likely to drop out of school without suitable qualifications.
“Completing their schooling gives young people, and their children, much better prospects in life.
“The Horowhenua District has nearly double the national average for teen births, with 54 births in the last three years. This is not a record to be proud of, but we need to make sure young people aren’t trapped in a negative cycle.
“Local schools have given their support for the unit which is likely to have a roll of 35 students.
“Minister of Education Hekia Parata has approved funding to build an Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre on the grounds of Waiopehu College, incorporating the Teen Parent Unit.
“I want to thank Education Horowhenua for working up a great proposal, and Minister Parata for recognising the need in our community,” says Mr Guy.