THE WORLD’S YOUR OYSTER KIDS, GO GRAB IT

ARE Far Northern youth any less smart than their Aussie counterparts? Hardly. But for some reason less of them are choosing an academic pathway and the ongoing trend is concerning not only university chiefs but civic leaders.

James Cook University Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs is calling for a whole of industry approach to what he’s concerned is a “lack of aspiration” in some of our youth.

Figures of first-preference applications to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) by school leavers shows FNQ kids are falling way behind the statewide average.

A 10 per cent difference in fact. Why? There’s no one factor but when you add up several and heap the pandemic blues on top, it’s enough to make you worry.

Not everyone has to go to university to succeed in life and success means different things to different people.

However, youth need to know that there are options in life and working in primary industries or getting a trade aren’t the only ways to earn a living or contribute to society.

It seems almost cruel that from the moment a child can talk, we ask them what they want to be when they grow up. To add more pressure we send them to school for 13 years and make them decide on “The Job” they will have for “the rest of their lives” before they’ve even finished getting pimples.

For many the prospect is too daunting to even think about another three, four or more years studying so they shy away from the commitment.

Our community needs to work together to inspire and encourage our kids to be the best they can be. We need to let them know they have options and with time, effort and hard work they can achieve their goals. Great communities have it all – thinkers, makers, leaders and dreamers. Jennifer Spilsbury

Editor