The Hungry Kids Debate
What is there to debate?
Its like trying to debate the amount of hours the sun is in the sky.
New Zealand, in my ever so humble opinion does have an emerging underclass. Or should I say, evolving. There is an ever growning poverty level. An increase in the level of people wanting access to state housing? I'm not going to be like Mr Key and name specific streets, but every town has them. In some cases, it is the town, having suffered a complete loss of the towns main industry.
Personally, I believe in the work for the dole systems, however, it has to be meaningful work. I've blogged about my first six months in Hamilton and being rejected 70+ times and one interview offering me small amounts over what I was getting on the benefit.
I believe that there is experience out there to show that when someone takes a chance on a person for a job, like someone did with me, then that person, if their heart is into the work will respond and be a rewarding employee. Sometimes, we get too wrapped up in the do they have a degree, or do they have this qualification, or do they have this, that the real ability to do the job is not even a factor.
While my experiences at Advanced Training Academy in Hamilton were not the most ideal as an employee, I am thankful for the chance the owner took on me. When it came down to the final choice, it was between me, and someone who had just finished school, with a degree. At that time, I had three years of tertiary teacher aiding under my belt, the other, a fresh university graduate. Now, while I am proudly working for a large tertiary institution, I am working towards my degree in Adult Education.
Since then, I have been responsible for employing others, granted, taken chances on these people as once, someone did on me. They are fine tutors, each with their own styles and abilities and even weaknesses, but they are fine tutors.
I do believe that there are thousands of kids out there who go to school hungry, and have nothing to eat through the day even, rather then just not having breakfast. Take a look around. Each rubbish day, take a look at some houses around the communities who have boxes of empty beer bottles, especially after a benefit day. What didnt get spent on good food? What didnt get spent on school clothes or shoes? How many school aged kids are walking around town, getting into plastic bags of glue?
The Government giveth, but they also taketh away. The Working for Families is loaded with benefits, but by the same token, its creating a welfare dependancy. More of a welfare state.
As I have said before, the next few months leading to the 2008 election will be interesting.
Its like trying to debate the amount of hours the sun is in the sky.
New Zealand, in my ever so humble opinion does have an emerging underclass. Or should I say, evolving. There is an ever growning poverty level. An increase in the level of people wanting access to state housing? I'm not going to be like Mr Key and name specific streets, but every town has them. In some cases, it is the town, having suffered a complete loss of the towns main industry.
Personally, I believe in the work for the dole systems, however, it has to be meaningful work. I've blogged about my first six months in Hamilton and being rejected 70+ times and one interview offering me small amounts over what I was getting on the benefit.
I believe that there is experience out there to show that when someone takes a chance on a person for a job, like someone did with me, then that person, if their heart is into the work will respond and be a rewarding employee. Sometimes, we get too wrapped up in the do they have a degree, or do they have this qualification, or do they have this, that the real ability to do the job is not even a factor.
While my experiences at Advanced Training Academy in Hamilton were not the most ideal as an employee, I am thankful for the chance the owner took on me. When it came down to the final choice, it was between me, and someone who had just finished school, with a degree. At that time, I had three years of tertiary teacher aiding under my belt, the other, a fresh university graduate. Now, while I am proudly working for a large tertiary institution, I am working towards my degree in Adult Education.
Since then, I have been responsible for employing others, granted, taken chances on these people as once, someone did on me. They are fine tutors, each with their own styles and abilities and even weaknesses, but they are fine tutors.
I do believe that there are thousands of kids out there who go to school hungry, and have nothing to eat through the day even, rather then just not having breakfast. Take a look around. Each rubbish day, take a look at some houses around the communities who have boxes of empty beer bottles, especially after a benefit day. What didnt get spent on good food? What didnt get spent on school clothes or shoes? How many school aged kids are walking around town, getting into plastic bags of glue?
The Government giveth, but they also taketh away. The Working for Families is loaded with benefits, but by the same token, its creating a welfare dependancy. More of a welfare state.
As I have said before, the next few months leading to the 2008 election will be interesting.
posted by Wiremu Bayliss at
7:31 pm
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