Early childhood centres in the Western Bay of Plenty are joining those nationwide today taking part in a National Day of Action against the government's cuts to early childhood education.
Today also marks a new round of cuts to early childhood education, with funding being cut from training and mentoring for beginner teachers.
NZEI National Executive member Hayley Whitaker says many centres have lost almost 13 percent of their budgets as a result of government funding cuts, which target those services with more than 80 percent qualified staff.
'A number of centres are holding major events and the focus for the day will be the collection of thousands of handprints bearing messages about the impact of the cut,” says Hayley.
'It's time the government started listening to its own research and advice which says investing in early childhood education brings huge long term benefits and must be considered a priority, event in times of fiscal constraint.”
1 comment
Maybe
Posted on 02-07-2011 19:36 | By Nigel Barker
Just maybe put the protest time into some good old fashioned fund raising. I think the govt of the day has more than enough on its plate with out bothering about another group "wanting" a hand out! Just for a moment think about those in Canterbury that have not had a dunny for months, no running water let alone 'hot' water. Then there are those families involved with Pike River. I think money spent for them to get their loved ones out of that bloody hell hole and home is way more important. What about all those in our Armed Services that are being put on the street - like NO job. And you guys "WANT MORE"??? QUOTE **'A number of centres are holding major events and the focus for the day will be the collection of thousands of handprints bearing messages about the impact of the cut,” says Hayley.** UNQUOTE. Lady that is an absolute disgusting waste of available resources (yours and the recipients). Shame on the organisers and your organisation! Put all those resources into generating your own funds!! Guess what the big bonus will be...?? The kids will learn 'good values' & that hand outs are a thing of the past. There are many many good Kiwi's with 'nothing' who would love a little, and you want more!"Shame"!!! Some one will have to go with out. Who do you think it should be Hayley?
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