Education a priority, say teens

By Alison Noonan
EDUCATION is a top priority for Cranbourne youth, according to the outcome of a round table discussion held at Merinda Park Community Centre last week.
Youth Affairs Minister Jacinta Allan joined Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, youth workers and 10 young people on Thursday in discussions to address the various issues facing young people in the area.
The teenagers, aged between 15 and 19, participate in the community centre’s Youth Pathways Program, which aims to further educate and empower early school leavers to enter the workforce or return to mainstream education.
MPCC adult youth language and literacy coordinator Rita Poole hailed the round table a success, saying the young participants used the opportunity to discuss education needs and concerns.
“Ms Allan’s visited the centre to find out about youth issues in the area,” she said.
“The kids were really interested in talking about education, with many of them staying around after the discussions to talk further with her. She focused a lot on transport issues in Cranbourne.
“I think they found the session very worthwhile.”
Mr Perera said he had been conducting the round table discussions since 2002 and found them an ideal way for young people to put their concerns and initiatives directly to the State Government.