Schools and libraries face closure, EMA and hardship funds have been slashed, and 1000 university places are set to be cut, but these proposed reductions to the education budget are facing stern opposition, say campaigners.
With this, student activists have called on opposition groups to mobilise in order to create one organised and united movement against the Stormont proposals.
NWRC Students’ Union Welfare Officer, Craig McCallan, has requested that all groups and individuals working to oppose the education cuts join forces in order to campaign together against the potential reductions.
“Teachers’ unions, students’ unions, and individual staff, students and protesters must rally together in campaigning against these proposed cuts” McCallan said.
“If we remain divided into separate sects then we can be more easily stamped down by those trying to sell off the futures of young people through these destructive, prospective budget reductions.
“However, if we work together and present a united front against these proposals then we can sound a louder and more influential cry of opposition.
“Let’s open our doors to each other” he concluded.
McCallan’s comments have been echoed by local Socialist Party activist Tom McBride, who also serves on the student council.
The Foyle branch of the Socialist Party held a stall in the town last week, petitioning against the education cuts and raising awareness for the issue.
“I share the view that we must all unite in our refusal to accept these suggested cuts” said McBride.
“I’m in the position where I work with a few different organisations that are trying to fight these cutbacks and I agree with those in the unions calling for a joint movement as it will strengthen our position.
“These education cuts are an attempt to control future generations as the government seeks to shackle us to the oppressed classes by refusing us the necessary means to educate ourselves.
“Politicians are consciously endorsing a policy of selling out the young people in this country in order to bail out those truly responsible for the financial constraints imposed on our economy.”
Tags:
