Community eduction cutbacks

Government cutbacks in funding for community education have caused concern among educators and pupils, but the good news for North Tec students is that some fees-free study is still available next year.

However, North Tec’s regional co-ordinator for horticulture and agriculture Heidelind Luschberger recommends anyone contemplating study to sign up quickly, in case the funding criteria changes.

“As an education provider, we are required to jump through more hoops, as there is less funding available and what’s there is harder to get, Heidelind says. “The government’s insisting on minimum numbers and level three and four courses are no longer free. However, the courses still represent great value for money, compared to a few years ago when it cost me $10,000 to complete my diploma.”

Level three courses will run at venues throughout Kaipara and Rodney’ and will cost around $280 for the year. Study at level four costs $70 per module; and a student needs to pass eight to attain their certificate. Each module takes one day a week over a 17-week semester and courses are NZQA approved.

Next year’s level four course will be held at the PHO headquarters in School Road, Wellsford, and part of the course content will include establishing a community garden.

North Tec students are currently working on a permaculture design for the garden, with the emphasis on organics and sustainability. Work is underway on converting a redundant building into an office and classroom. Tunnel houses from a former community garden on Rodney Street have been relocated to the site.

“It’s great to be working with the PHO as the outcome of the garden is to have healthy people growing healthy food.”

Level two courses will be held at Mangawhai, starting in February. These are still free to NZ citizens.

“It is important to realise that in order to qualify for a loan, students must study full time, taking four papers a semester.”

For information: Ph Heidelind on 431 2887, or Kay Murray on 0800 804678, or www.northtec.ac.nz

PHOTO: Anne Molloy, left, and Shanta Foster with some of the produce grown during the SRD level two course at Kaiwaka.

Student’s perspective

Anne Molloy, of Mangawhai, joined five others to study sustainable rural development at Lynne Hindle’s Kaiwaka property. This is what she had to say about the course: “You can learn from a book, but nothing beats actually getting out there and doing it. That’s what’s so good about the SRD course; the garden is your classroom and you are learning by doing. I’ve learnt so much, not just from the tutor and course content, but also through the sharing of ideas with others. It’s given me the confidence to grow my own food and look at possible small business ventures.”