Simon Power: Funds for education give lifelong returns

As children grow up, it's important they stay engaged in learning and get the support they need to reach their potential. That's why the Government is investing heavily across the education sector.
We're focused on giving young New Zealanders the opportunity to succeed, from early childhood education, through their school years, and on into training and tertiary education.
Budget 2011 delivered $12.2 billion for education,, which represents the biggest investment ever. This means education will have enjoyed an extra $4.4billion since 2009, which is a huge total in these tough economic times.
Early childhood education (ECE) helps give children the best possible start in life and we're committed to spending an extra $550 million on ECE in the next four years. The Government's priority is to increase participation in at-risk communities and last week we announced 440 new ECE places for children in south and east Auckland.
We're continuing to support national standards in primary schools, to help identify children who are struggling so they can be given the extra help they need. The Budget invested an extra $621million in schools.
Young people deserve an education system that is flexible and which suits their needs and works for them. We're providing it through the youth guarantee, and trades and service academies.
The youth guarantee offers 16 and 17-year-olds the chance to learn in non-school settings and to gain the skills they need to find work. This year, we're funding 2500 places for young people to study for free at polytechs, wananga and private training establishments.
Trades' academies are partnerships among schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations and employers. Eight trades' academies are opening across the country this year, with four more due to open next year.
Extra funding of $63 million in the Budget provides a further five trades academies plus eight new service academies. These will provide a military-focused programme aimed at young people who are at-risk of disengaging from education.
The Government is focused on providing more places and getting better value for every dollar spent in tertiary education. We're funding more than 186,000 places at universities and polytechs, and we're keeping student loans interest free.
Budget 2011 delivered more for education than ever before. The Government is determined to do everything we can to give our young people the tools they need to succeed.