February 11, 2016
Parata counts NCEA progress
Educaiton Minster Hekia Parata is celebrating an increase in the number of Maori getting level two of the National Certificate of Education Achievement.
She says it’s the bare minimum qualification for entry to the workforce, and each year about 13,000 young Maori are the right age to sit.
When National became government only about 6000 passed, but that number is now closer to 9000
"There’s been a significant improvement where 3000 more are now getting NCEA 2. That's a huge lift in achievement in a short amount of time and that bears celebrating with the kids with the parents with their schools and teachers who've all joined together to make that possible," Ms Parata says.
The Education Ministry has set up a Count Me In, an initiative to pick up 16 ton 18 year olds who have dropped out of school but are not in work.
They’re offered advice and support to reengage with education, including helping them to take NCEA.
Information is available on 0800 Count Me In.
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