President-General Fu proposes closing community colleges
February 7, NMR 2374
Capital Community College in Namo
Community colleges are tertiary-level schools that are subsidized by district or autonomous republic governments. Most students who graduate secondary school advance to go to private universities, but some attend community colleges because of their extremely low, near zero costs. Despite this, community colleges are not a favorite destination due to their perceived lower quality of education.
"Let's face it - our youth want an education that will satisfy their needs in life. They want to get ahead in international competition and they're constantly pushing and challenging themselves. And that is a good thing, no doubt. Because of this, we are seeing many Namorese becoming academically excellent people and entering universities nationwide," Fu said. "Few of them are going to end up in government-subsidized community colleges. We've entered a new age and I don't think these colleges are necessary anymore.
"It is true, community colleges offer a low cost-education, but they are becoming more obsolete," he said. "Instead of reserving our money for these institutions, we should be diverting them to encourage every student to achieve a high academic record, and, in effect, a successful life. Here is a question I want you to consider - should we uphold an institution that is not popular, or should we help people pursue their dreams?"
Fu says he plans on closing all community colleges in Namor by two academic years from now; in the beginning of the third academic year nationwide, secondary school graduates may no longer apply to enter community colleges. Those who are continuing community college may have the choice of leaving tertiary school altogether or transfer to a private university, depending on the economic situation.
So far, it seems like this plan is not gaining much opposition in the Central Council, still dominated by the New Democratic Party.
"Honestly, there really is no practical reason for community colleges to be around," said Shohai Antelope, leader of the Liberationist Party. "They were meant to provide low-cost education, but that was back then when more people didn't have a high standard of living as most do now. But at the same time, I'm concerned about the high tuition for private universities. Certainly the government should work to make university more affordable, but I don't see the President-General doing that."
A study showed that less than 2% of secondary school graduates who move on to tertiary schools attend community college.
COMMENTS
Chiang Yun
Close community colleges everywhere. They're hideous places where nobody wants to go to, and I don't see any reason for the government to keep pouring money into them. 86 12
Bo Kuo
Fu is right. Community college is a demoralizing thing, it shouldn't exist in a country where every day in school is a fierce competition. 33 2
Jing Ming
Community college is thing of the past. 8 4
Other News
- FM: Otekian separatist petition "melodramatic stunt" - Shen Wuhong said "the so-called Letter of Millions is a brilliant manifesto that's really uplifting, especially if one isn't aware of the actual facts."
- Truck driver arrested after beating up taxicab driver in road rage incident - Mojing police say the driver was angry that the taxi was tailgating him.
- Atlantica raises minimum wage - Atlantica's referendum ended in a majority of voters supporting a raise in the country's minimum wage.