OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21647, 18 May 1932, Page 7

OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — A number of organisations have recorded their concern for the present and future state of our workless young people, but their proposals have been general appeals, under cover of which the strength of the organised bodies is dissipated, not concentrated. Now that the long winter evenings are here, I would suggest that a definite attack be made, and that our young people be gathered into “ occupational classes ” in their own districts, local school rooms and halls being utilised for the purpose. The work could be largely independent, though collaboration would bo valuable for securing demonstrators or instructors. Some aspects that present themselves are: Groups could consist of from eight to eighteen persons. (2) Juniors, 14 to 17, and seniors 18 to 20 might be arranged separately. (3) A course of approximately eight lessons could be arranged, to be followed by others already chosen by the group and its leaders. (4) While the lessons would be occupational in the sense that in general they would be related to some vocation, they would be even more valuable as the members would have a definite interest to occupy their enforced leisure time. (5) In the line of cookery, for example, a number of courses could lie mapped out. If our country were mobilising its national forces, it would not hesitate to use its manual training schools for evening activities. In needlework the girls would have a wide choice, while the classes would have an immediate value. Remembering that a designer must plan before even a jam tin can have its label,

we could select a number _of studies in commercial art, advertising, printing, stencilling, and show-card writing. In connection with our primary and secondary industries, scores of short, easy courses could be drawn up; it must be remembered that many of these young folk in the city have either resided in the country, or have a keen interest in rural occupations. As many have had some secondary education, it would be only natural that cultural classes should be organised, that music, art, and literature should further enrich the lives of our young people, and that their mental horizons should be widened by the consideration of people and places such as the school course passed by As to the leaders, we need scarcely ask, if recent activities and conferences count for anything. The llotarians place service before self, and many of them could give direct service of a very high order, and I venture to suggest that there is hardly one who could not help to organise a group. The Chamber of Commerce could provide a large number of helpers, not to run classes for the winter, but to give a series of simple studies, lessons, lectures, demonstrations, call them what you will. The Farmers’ Union could draw up a list of interesting studies, and find men to assist. If these occupational classes were recognied as of national value, we would not lack the support of our teachers, our University people, the Y.M.C.A. and its sister association, and of every church of every creed. Apart from a meeting of the class once a week, the movement would be valuable in so far as it gave members manual or mental activity during the remainder ot the week. The principal essential of a course would be interest, followed by knowledge and utility. . Let us imagine a group meeting weekly in a school room under its leader or leaders, who need not necessarily be teachers or demonstrators at all. The group may decide to see, and as far as possible participating in boot mending or picture framing, followed by a series ot talks or discussions on “ Transport in all Lands—Yesterday and To-day,’ after which a course in mechanics or in writing show cards would complete the period of about 18 weeks that lie ahead of us before the weather is likely to give these people much relief. It has been urged on every side that, there is need for some effort for our junior citizens. The question is: Will they respond to such a movement? That depends largely on the organisations which will draw up worth-while projects, on the leaders who group the members, and on the actual worker, whether he be a railway employee, a salesman, a parson, an artist, a mechanic, or a musician. In conclusion, let me point out that we have before us aj season which for many young people will be more than miserable—it will be perilous. Further, it is certain that more and more of these young folk will be absorbed in real occupations when the corner is turned, and it would be singularly appropriate that through this contact, our leaders of commerce and industry should select those who showed by their spirit, outlook, and initiative (which are greater than so-called education) their fitness for employment as it offered. If the Chamber of Commerce were to seek the co-operation of school committees, parents, firms, lodges, sports bodies, etc., 1 feel certain that “occupational classes ” would soon become a reality. A German proverb says: “ Rest comes from unrest, and unrest from rest. In how far is this true?—l am, etc., 15-