Promote education

I have lived in several so-called developing countries where a striking feature of society is the value that parents attach to getting their children educated. No sacrifice is too great for them.

Those families, populations and their countries are prospering. Rags-to-riches stories at all levels. Developing countries that have overtaken ours, education fundamental to their success.

In New Zealand we’re seeing the opposite – education scorned while at the same time we wring our hands about our decline from riches to rags. With lack of parental responsibility or even awareness often the problem.

Is it beyond the vision and wit of our education and other authorities to elevate and sell this message about education? To mainstream it in poverty-alleviation strategies? Jim Howell, Papakōwhai