THE laptop computer roll-out for all Year Nine students in the region is making a difference, is improving education outcomes, and will be fought for by many to be retained, Independent MP for Lyne Robert Oakeshott said today.
After attending a series of Education Week celebrations throughout the electorate of Lyne, Mr Oakeshott said he’d received strong positive feedback on the program from the school communities of the Mid-North Coast.
“There is some pretty strong feedback on the ground that this laptop program is one of the best programs to have hit the local education sector for some time,” he said.
“There is also a great deal of surprise that some in politics are running a campaign to kill the program.
“I can confirm I am a big fan of the roll-out, and will be advocating for the program to continue.
“I will also continue the work we have been undertaking with the international not-for-profit charity One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) and try to see a similar program introduced into our region in the lower socio-economic communities, and at an even earlier primary school level.
Mr Oakeshott said the internet was not going away any time soon and the computer was going to play an increasingly important role in whatever life path current students took.
“I am sure most people want students in this area to have the best opportunity to learn, to understand, and to master whatever it is they choose to do in life, and a big part of this will be learning, understanding, and mastering where the computer and the internet can help with their hopes and dreams.
“As well, if we are serious about entrepreneurship and innovation in our region, we want leaders in computer and internet use.
“I am a strong advocate for this computer program, and it is very clear from the school communities that I have visited this week that this program is being very well received, and will be an issue at the ballot box for anyone who wants to kill it,” Mr Oakeshott said.
ENDS
Media contact: Garth Norris – 6277-4054, 0418 537709
