Midday Today - Soup Kitchen At College Of Education Students’ Association
Christchurch College of Education students will get free soup from their Students’ Association today because the
government’s budget will not be able to feed them over winter. “The crumbs that Cullen threw students will not deliver
substantial changes for students here and now,” said Giarne Clarke, President of the Christchurch College of Education
Students’ Association (CCESA).
“Students are happy that they will be able to earn a little more money with their allowance as of next year but were
disappointed that a living allowance for all students was not delivered,” said Clarke. “The budget made it very clear
that there would be little relief given to existing students or graduates”.
Students are the only people in society who are forced to borrow for the basics such as food and rent. “A living
allowance for all students would prevent the disparity between under and over 25 year olds,” Clarke said, “why should
young people be disadvantaged by their choice to enter tertiary education – we are told this creates a knowledge
society, yet all we can see it creating is intergenerational debt.”
Tuition fees make up 60% of the borrowings for students. “Students are deeply disappointed that there was no commitment
to stop the trend of increasing fees,” said Clarke, “allowing tertiary institutions to continually increase fees by more
than 5% will add years to student repayment times.”
When: 12 noon Monday 23rd May Where: Student Common Room, Christchurch College of Education campus, Dovedale Ave, Ilam