International campaign for free education holds global week of action

The New Zealand campaign to end student debt “Drop Debt Today” has joined an international campaign in supporting “Reclaim your Education – Global Week of Action 2009″ held this week.

Organised by the International Student’s Movement, the global week of action aims to promote free education.

Drop Debt Today campaign organiser Richard Wallis says “The reason we campaign for the wiping of all student debt is because education should be free for everyone.”

“By putting up barriers to education in the form of fees and debt we are preventing people from being able to better themselves, and preventing people from being able to get together enough money to buy their own home.”
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NZUSA: Massive student debt increase since 2004

New research shows massive student debt increase since 2004

Average student debt[1] has risen by 54 percent since 2004 and is now $28,838 according to major new research released today by the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA).

Other main findings of the research are:
- Average student debt is over 147 percent higher than in 1998
- Students are looking beyond the student loan scheme, to bank loans, overdrafts, and credit cards to pay for essential living costs
- Core living costs (food, accommodation, transport) have increased significantly
- 88 percent of students consider that student loans will impact on their ability to buy a house

Full Article: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0801/S00025.htm

Drop Debt campaign says Nats student loans fiddle would make the Sheriff of Nottingham proud

The Drop Debt Today campaign says the National Government’s decision policy to give bonuses to those who could afford to pay back their student loans quicker was “stealing from the poor to give to the rich.”

DDT Spokesperson Richard Mitchell says “the Sheriff of Nottingham would be pleased with such a slimy scam.”

National education spokesperson Anne Tolley doesn’t even get a “F-” for her announcement, according to Mr Mitchell.

He says Ms Tolley’s comment that “shorter repayment times will mean young New Zealanders will be debt free earlier” was a stunning achievement in Orwellian political double-speak.
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Alliance Party Says Launches Drop Debt Today Campaign

Alliance education spokesperson, Richard Mitchell, today announced the official launch of their Drop Debt Today (DDT) campaign.

“Student debt is now at over $10 billion dollars and rising. The party believes that education for all is a right not a privilege. Student loans are out of control. Let’s drop the debt and give young people a good start in life,” says Mr Mitchell.

The Alliance is calling on the government to wipe all loan repayments and introduce a free education system. Only by making education free can we hope to encourage more people into higher education providing a more secure future for all New Zealanders. Continue reading »