Newsable: There's more to helping truant kids than forcing them to go to school

Monday, 17 June 2024

The Government has announced an attendance action plan to combat student truancy rates. Its target is to ensure 80% of students are present for more than 90% of the term by 2030.

But for some kids in Aotearoa, even these efforts won’t make them go to school.

Aaron Harrison from Youthtown, an organisation offering support to young people, spoke to Newsable about the key role it plays in keeping truant kids out of trouble, and the support it needs to meet the significant demand for its services.

He said some kids “really despise“ being at school.

Youthtown gives kids, who may otherwise be doing nothing, a chance to learn life skills and develop a sense of belonging through activities like rafting. It also provides youth hubs - safe spaces where kids can hang out, get support and stay engaged.

Harrison said when kids’ schooling experience isn’t working for them, due to factors like not feeling a sense of belonging, “that is going to lead to trouble.”

That’s where Youthtown comes in, but Harrison told Newsable demand for its services “is quite heavy” at the moment. He explained the huge positive difference Youthtown makes for kids disengaged from school.

Click the play button above to listen to the full interview or click here.

Newsable is Stuff’s daily news podcast, wrapping up what’s worth talking about in a short package each weekday morning. Like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts.