FOR IDLE YOUTH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 June 1932, Page 10

FOR IDLE YOUTH

TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ PLANS URGENCY OF PROBLEM SPECIAL CLASSES ADVOCATED “The bitterness engendered in the minds of adults by unemployment is a regrettable fact; yet the mute distress of the youths and girls who arc leaving school full of the keenness and ambition of youth is tragic,” contends a statement issued by the Technical School Teachers’ Association. The statement embodies a considered scheme for dealing constructively with the problem. Tlie statement proceeds: “To the young mind, facing the world for the first time, the disillusion must and has produced a billet feeling of resentment against the whole order of things, which is more tragic and more serious in its consequences than the bitterness of tiie adult unemployed. “This turning aside of the spontaneous offers of our boys and girls is generating a resentment against society that must sink deeply into their minds and produce ail attitude inimical 1.0 the development of the ideals of good citizenship and provide fertile ground for the growth of anti-social views. A FULLER REALISATION “Our appeal, then, is for a fuller realisation of the seriousness of the problem, and the need for all capable of rendering such service to hold out a helping hand, to tide them over an anixous period and to guide them into useful occupation of their idle time in a. manner that will fit them better for ultimate service to the community. In brief, we urge that their education in the broadest sense be continued on sound lines.” After reviewing the extent of the problem as it exists to-day and the various efforts now being made to grapple with it, the statements suggests:—■ The appointment in different centres of further vocational guidance officers, both men and women, preferably teachers who have shown a special interest in, and aptitude for, this work. It is suggested that they should be released front approximately half thciy teaching time for this purpose. The setting uj> of juvenile employment committees in various centres to whom the appointees mentioned above shall act as executive officers. The establishment of juvenile employment bureaux under the general control of the juvenile employment committees, and in the direct charge of the vocational guidance officer.'' CLASSES FOR JUVENILES In advocating the formation of special classes for unemployed juveniles the association considers that it should bo possible at very small expense to, organise separate classes at the technical schools. It recommences also that “employment centres” fpr unemployed between 17 and 20 years of age might be set up on the lines of the English system. Here a youth could work either in the mornings or the afternoons, and have the rest of the day for seeking work. In connection with both the special classes and employment centres it is suggested that provision be made for free passes on trams and trains for those who live at some considerable distance from class centres. It is suggested that boai-ds might remit the cost of material, and that the Education Department might favourably consider the remission of fees.

AREAS OF CULTIVATION The recommendations proceed : Favourable consideration by the Government of the setting aside of plots of land close to urban areas for cultivation by unemployed boys, and the provision by the local authorities or the Public Works Department of necessary implements. Raising the school leaving age to 15 or 16. This would have the effect of reducing the supply of labour, but the question should be decided on educational and social grounds, and not merely on economic grounds. Recognition of technical school work: If parents could be assured that, to assist. in the solution of the difficulties of juvenile employment, time spent in approved technical school courses would be permitted to count in reduction of the period of apprenticeship in all trades, they would be saved much anxiety and receive some compensation for the sacrifices they are making. STATUS OF DOMESTIC WORK ‘There would be more scope for boys in shops and offices if a greater proportion of girls were employed in homes; but to accomplish this the remuneration and status of domestic work must be raised above that of the occupations that are attracting girls to-day. Wo suggest in this connection the establishment of a special examination and certificate for efficient home management.” It is considered by the association that any action by the State, in so far as it encourages trade,-tends to increase, the demand for juvenile labour. “If we desire a large local market for our primary products, then we must have a. larger population, which can find work, if both our primary and secondary industries are to receive reasonable treatment and encouragement,” proceeds the statement. “It looks, however, as if a larger proportion of our people should be employed in our secondary industries. A national survey could bo mado by competent advisers to ascertain the most suitable industries, having regard to national resources and labour absorption capacity.” In conclusion, the association suggests that a useful piece of work which might well be undertaken by primary school committees in co-operation with the vocational guidance officers would be the "follow up” of standard six pupils who leave their own schools each year, with special attention to those who do not go to post-primary schools and do not immediately obtain suitable employment.