For parents of children in year 12, now marks what is a very important time, but also a very stressful time for them and their children, as they approach the higher school certificate and make choices about their future life direction. It can be a confusing time for many young adults from country areas as they look at their next choices and try to work out the balance between education, job prospects, ties to family and home and what their future holds.
Should they go to university? Should they leave home? Do they have to leave home to do what they want? Could they study via correspondence? Should they seek vocational opportunities instead? There is a lot to consider. There are any number of research pieces and reports that try to provide that “crystal-ball” insight for parents and students alike. Many of these research pieces and statistics fail to advocate the real point. People should be provided a pathway to do what they want to do regardless of where they live. Those aspiring to educate and better themselves should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and not be held back by their location. I’m not saying it should be the same as city-based students, but there should be options and pathways to provide choice.
In addition, communities need to be mindful of the regional development work that goes hand-in-hand with providing educational opportunities for those wanting to take them up. Yes, many students and young people will move away but we need not be resigned to this fact. Many will want to stay and we in many cases can provide reasons why they should.
One shining example of a provider delivering on the importance of choice is the Country Universities Centre (CUC). Not all kids want to go to uni, but for those that do, financial and other reasons may prevent them from going. The CUC is a great example of what can be done to assist rural students in finding a different pathway to pursue their dreams. The initial statistics are impressive in terms of outcomes and I wish the CUC all the success in the world going forward.
The CWA is also doing its bit, handing out education grants every year.
These grants help people with the expense of studying, and again, support the concept of students having a choice.
Another important issue we should address is to also have regional educators supported in their careers. The CWA thinks there is a lot more that can be done here.
Teacher fees could be used to ensure that professional development opportunities are made equally available to those at regional centres with no additional monetary disadvantage due to location.
Best wishes and best of luck to all students who are currently preparing for the HSC, especially those many country kids whose choices beyond school get a bit harder due to logistics. Make sure you research all the options and be open minded about the possibilities for your future.
- Annette Turner, CWA NSW president
