Young submitters speak up

Tawa Intermediate students are years off the voting age, but made their voices heard in parliament last Wednesday in a submission to MPs on digital learning.

Room 15 pupils Helen Oliver, 12, Jade Gibbons-Lawrie, 12, Stephen Dyoco, 12, and Lachlan Patterson, 12, spoke in front of 40 MPs, journalists and family members at a select committee hearing on August 15 on digital learning.

The students were invited to speak at the hearing by committee chairwoman, MP Nikki Kaye, after tweeting her a link to a video submission they made on the subject.

Stephen, whose father lives in the Philippines, told MPs how the classroom’s blog helps his Dad engage in his learning.

The students were speaking for all Kiwi kids, Stephen said. Learning had moved beyond blackboards and books, he said.

After their submission the students were given a tour by Mana MP Kris Faafoi.

Photo: FAIRFAX Digital age: Tawa Intermediate pupils Jade Gibbons-Lawrie, Helen Oliver, Stephen Dyoco and Lachlan Patterson spoke to MPs in parliament last Wednesday.