Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Yakeleya was commenting on the improvement of keeping young people in school. I must say that I was really pleased to see the committee and their report reflected on the importance of community and family support for education. Because while the Department of Education and this government have a role to play in schooling, when it comes to culture and language the schools should reflect and reinforce the community. We aren't there to teach culture and language as much as we are to reflect it. There has to be a significant buy-in from the community, from the families, from the parents in order for the system to improve. What I find most heartening about the increase in numbers is that that has to mean that we are seeing more and more support from families and communities for our schools. We have some areas where it is really strong and that is typically reflected then in the participation rates and the success rates of kids in school, and we need to do more to make sure that we get that family and community support because that is the biggest predictor of what I can see of whether or not we are going to have success in the schools. Again, I am really pleased to be able to say that we are seeing some increases in numbers, and I along with Members of the committee, want to keep encouraging the people in our communities to recognize the important role they play in helping young people be successful in school. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Charles Dent on Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on March 24th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 23rd, 2004
Page 265
See context to find out what was said next.