Thursday, November 25th, 2010

A Welsh way forward for Students

Safguarding of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Welcomed

Plaid Cymru’s Education spokesperson has welcomed the decision by the One Wales government to secure the future of the education maintenance allowance (EMA) in Wales.  Nerys Evans AM said that the announcement by the Education Minister in today’s (Wednesday November 24th) Enterprise and Learning Committee showed the commitment of the Welsh government in seeking Welsh specific policies.  Whilst the EMA has been protected in Wales it is being scrapped by the UK government.  The EMA provides up to £30 per week for students over the age of 16 to stay in education on a means tested basis ensuring that students from the poorest backgrounds benefit.

Nerys Evans said:

 “I am very pleased that the Welsh government has safeguarded this allowance.  It shows our determination to protect funding in the education sector and an investment in developing further education for young adults.  I know that there are a great number of students that without the EMA could not see a future for themselves in education

“This is a vitally important scheme and one that makes a huge difference to people seeking further education that otherwise could not afford it.  I thought that the Conservative – Lib Dem government’s decision to scrap the EMA was short sighted and a betrayal of student support.  It is a great relief that we in Wales are taking a different approach and putting students’ needs first.” 

Rhodri Glyn Thomas added:

“This is fantastic news for students in Carmarthenshire and throughout Wales.  The EMA is not just an incentive for students to stay in education as some would protest, but a lifeline for thousands of students; enabling them to make the most that further education has to offer.  Whether it’s an academic or vocational course that a student takes, the course materials alone can cost a significant sum of money.  The EMA is a stepping stone onto Higher Education for some of the most poor students in Wales and I am pleased the Welsh Government has seen the valuable contribution the EMA makes to students”.

ENDS / DIWEDD

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