MOE seeks teenagers’ take on education issues

Education minister Nikky Kaye has announced plans for a Ministerial youth advisory group to be made up of ten teenagers.

Ms Kaye said on the topic of the youth advisory group “Our schools are all about and for our young people, so it’s really important to me that we have a way for them to share their views,” says Ms Kaye. 

“This is about ensuring that young people are at the heart of decisions made about education in New Zealand.

“I want them to be able to share their experiences of our education system, as well as ideas about any improvements we can make.”

Another group of young people will have the opportunity to be part of an online youth forum which will discuss and test insights gathered from the advisory group, to ensure diverse viewpoints are gathered on selected education topics.

All students aged between 14 and 18 are invited to register their interest on the MoE’s website, and a shortlist will be selected by MoE staff with final approval by Ms Kaye.

The first meeting will be held in February 2018.

“It’s totally up to the students what they want to discuss when the advisory group meets, but as a starter I imagine topics could include things like student well-being, the education priorities that matter most to young people, and the role of digital technology in learning and assessment,” says Ms Kaye.

“The students’ insights will be shared with the Ministry of Education’s leadership team, relevant business groups and other education agencies.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing directly from young people about their experiences of education. I expect them to bring a fresh perspective and insights about our education system, and the most important issues they’re facing.”