Youth Work not a prioirty for this Government.
I have just received a letter from John Harrington, the "Director" of the National Youth Workers Collective.
This National organization which has worked on behalf of youth workers across the country has had its funding significantly cut. Paula Bennett appeared in the April edition of the 12-25 magazine (of the Ministry of Youth Development) talking about her desire to work with the sector. She has now decided to cut the funding for the main group which represented youth workers across this country. Clearly Youth work is not a priority for her or the government she is part of.
John has given his heart and soul to the vision for Youth Work in New Zealand along with many others. This is a vision to have Youth Work recognised as unique professional practice on equal footing with Social Work and other caring professions and to develop a strong, diverse Youth Work paid and voluntary workforce that is stable, prepared ? trained and qualified, supported, and committed to positively developing young people.
I feel gutted that our government are so short sighted. At a time with young people seem to be in the news so much for all the wrong reasons, this Government seem determined to not address the issues, and not resources those who are trying to make a difference. I was just at our synod which reflected that the lates round of budget annoucements saw a reduction of programmes trying to build fences at teh top of cliffs, and a shifting of resources to bottom of the cliff programmes, which are often too late. the question is who is advising these people. Or are they so arrogant they do not think they have to listen! The election of this government was a very sad day.
My Prayers are with you John and the ongoing but much reduced work of the Collective at this time.
This National organization which has worked on behalf of youth workers across the country has had its funding significantly cut. Paula Bennett appeared in the April edition of the 12-25 magazine (of the Ministry of Youth Development) talking about her desire to work with the sector. She has now decided to cut the funding for the main group which represented youth workers across this country. Clearly Youth work is not a priority for her or the government she is part of.
John has given his heart and soul to the vision for Youth Work in New Zealand along with many others. This is a vision to have Youth Work recognised as unique professional practice on equal footing with Social Work and other caring professions and to develop a strong, diverse Youth Work paid and voluntary workforce that is stable, prepared ? trained and qualified, supported, and committed to positively developing young people.
I feel gutted that our government are so short sighted. At a time with young people seem to be in the news so much for all the wrong reasons, this Government seem determined to not address the issues, and not resources those who are trying to make a difference. I was just at our synod which reflected that the lates round of budget annoucements saw a reduction of programmes trying to build fences at teh top of cliffs, and a shifting of resources to bottom of the cliff programmes, which are often too late. the question is who is advising these people. Or are they so arrogant they do not think they have to listen! The election of this government was a very sad day.
My Prayers are with you John and the ongoing but much reduced work of the Collective at this time.
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