Cuts will kill courses

BY KRISTINA RAPLEY

Night class fees are set to skyrocket and tutors might lose their jobs after a bombshell decision to slash government funding for adult community education.

The $16 million now paid to schools for community education will be cut to just $3m next year, threatening the jobs of more than 200 coordinators and 2000 tutors around the country.

Two of the main adult education providers in east Manukau, Edgewater and Pakuranga colleges, are still struggling to come to terms with the 80 percent cut.

Edgewater community education director Robyn Pelham says the Budget announcement came as "a bombshell".

Last year Edgewater had more than 4800 adult enrolments for its hundreds of night classes.

Classes such as budgeting, cooking, languages and parenting which have been offered for free or at minimal cost will no longer be possible, Mrs Pelham says.

"The reality is community education as we’ve known it in the past will no longer be.

"You’re looking at courses being $120 instead of $20 or $30 as a rough estimate."

Edgewater College principal Allan Vester believes the funding cut will force most adult community education providers to close.

Mr Vester says the school is still working out the impact on jobs.

But he says they’re keen to see whether some night classes can continue next year, although at a considerably higher cost to learners.

The funding cut has come as a shock, with no warning in the weeks leading up to the Budget, he says.

"It’s created a considerable amount of stress and concern for the people who are actively involved with community education.

"It’s their livelihood and they believe in it. They have seen firsthand what it does for people," Mr Vester says.

After 12 years in community education, Mrs Pelham says it’s distressing to hear the government describe most of what they provide as "hobby courses".

"Our main programme focus has always been to encourage participation by offering accessible and affordable learning to meet community needs.

"We offer courses to build people’s confidence and self- worth, which ultimately makes our communities function effectively."

Mrs Pelham says it’s shortsighted of the government to cut funding for something that’s a "lifeline for so many people".

"There are tough times ahead for most in the community and who will fill the gap if community education is lost?" she says.

The Community Learning Association through Schools group has started a nationwide petition and protest campaign to stop the funding cuts.

Each year around 200,000 adults enrol in programmes offered by more than 200 secondary schools around the country.

There are 35 providers in Auckland employing 750 tutors, with more than 55,000 adult enrolments last year.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.stopnightclasscuts.org.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News