Overseas students

Press, 30 March 1981, Page 16

Overseas students

Sir,—The real estate students at the Christchurch Polytechnic are just another five victims of the National Government’s policy. Under the present Government “think big” restructuring policy where one of the terms that is being used is the “user pays principle,” education is fast losing its original noble aim — to develop every individual’s potentiality. The viability of education becomes whether it is economical. Furthermore, the concept of education as a commodity for sale has the serious consequence of depriving a certain sector of the population which cannot afford it, and hence exacerbates injustice which education, if it is of any meaning, is supposed to curb. When the $l5OO discriminatory fee was imposed on private overseas students, we analysed the situation as written above. But in the midst of confusion because of rumours spread by the Prime Minister we failed to get enough support to stop the chain reaction at the very first instance. What we need to do now is to support each other to fight for a more meaningful education. I wish my five lawi victimised brothers success. — Yours, etc., M. H. YEO. MARCH 27, 1981