Mayor Len Brown Shows His Commitment to Education

September 6 2012

Mayor Len Brown Shows His Commitment to Education

Major achievement for Learning Auckland movement

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has signalled his support for education and skills in Tāmaki Makaurau by signing the Learning Accord during a visit to Alfriston College.

The Accord sets out common goals for improving learning and skills in Auckland, so it can be effective for all, rather than just 80% as at present. It encourages people to commit to one action that will support learning in Auckland.

Susan Impey, Principal of Alfriston College and a member of Learning Auckland’s kaitiaki leaders group was responsible for inviting the Mayor to sign the Accord and show his support for the initiative.

“Improving the skills and opportunity of Auckland’s young people is at the heart of the Auckland Plan and at the heart of my aspirations for this city,” says Len Brown. “Too many young people are falling through gaps in the system, and we need to all work together, using all the resources, tools, innovation and technologies we collectively have to give our young people the best chance to reach their full potential.”

Learning Auckland aims to bring about a long-term, positive shift in educational achievement, using the Accord to bring greater coherence across all those who are working for learning in Tāmaki Makaurau.

It is a ground-up movement for individuals, organisations and groups to use their own ideas to create positive changes that support education and skills through one small step at a time.

Susan Warren, CEO of COMET Auckland, one of the organising groups of Learning Auckland, says that the Mayor signing is a major turning point for Learning Auckland:

“Mayor Len Brown signing the Accord indicates his strong leadership role in education and collective action in Auckland.”

“At its heart, the Learning Auckland Accord is intended to be an action-based document that brings people together and drives them towards a common goal. It’s not just for educators – it’s also for families, employers, community leaders, students – anyone who has a stake in learning and skills for our region. The Mayor signing the Accord is a significant and important moment for Learning Auckland, and we hope more people in leadership roles will sign up after this major endorsement.”

Auckland Council has recognised that prioritising education will provide a key way for Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city, helping all Aucklanders to reach their social, cultural and economic potential.

For more information about COMET Auckland or the Learning Auckland Accord please visit www.cometauckland.org.nz.

ENDS

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