LATEST MEDIA RELEASE
What future for Dunedin's young people?
Concerned at the long-term implications of 'good kids losing traction', the Mission has developed Make A Plan.
18 February 2011
Recently released unemployment figures show that more than 1 in 3 of
the people receiving an Unemployment Benefit in
On
top of this, both the Otago Polytechnic and University are expecting
to limit enrolments. The normal pathways from school to study
to work for many of
Methodist Mission Chief Executive Laura Black says, “There is a significant group of students who have successfully passed NCEA at Levels 2 or 3 yet who will be rejected by tertiary institutions that are already full. Without employment or training, young people can risk regrettable life choices. The next 12 to 18 months are crucial.”
Concerned at the long-term implications of “good kids losing
traction” the
The MAP pilot will run in 2011 with its target being students who have missed out on acceptance to Otago University, Otago Polytechnic or Aoraki Polytechnic; and who are “too qualified” to go on TEC or MSD-funded second-chance learning courses.
The programme has a variety of elements including art, music, voluntary service, and off-site elements aimed to expand the abilities, self-reliance and group skills of the participants. There are 'leaving home' skills including cooking, budgeting, tenancy issues, and dealing with agencies, but the primary focus is on the next step after MAP: further education through entry to Polytechnic or University, and work.
