YNOT chief executive Joanna Siejka said the education system in Tasmania should recognise the different schooling needs of all students, and offer flexible learning arrangements.

‘‘Flexible and alternative education options are effective mechanisms by which the education system can offer dynamic and engaging learning opportunities to students who may be neglected by mainstream learning,’’ Ms Siejka said.

‘‘Unfortunately some of the support programs for our most disadvantaged young people have been defunded at a time when young Tasmanians as a whole are most in need,’’ she said.

‘‘Many young people find it difficult to see how their current education or study will relate to what they want to do in the future.’’

Ms Siejka said early intervention programs that prevented students from dropping out were important.

She said the removal of Youth Connections programs and Pathway Planners, which helped young people to stay in school and training, were a loss to the system.

‘‘These programs fill important gaps, such as emergency food relief, which ensure disadvantaged young people have enough food to eat and can therefore concentrate at school.’’

Ms Siejka said that increased communication to students and their families of all available educational opportunities was also necessary.

‘‘Navigating the education system in Tasmania can be difficult for some families, particularly if they have not been through the system themselves or had a positive experience themselves,’’ she said.

YNOT will be represented at the Dark Mofo Hothouse Session on June 2 by project officer Tegan Pearce. 

■ For a chance to offer your voice to the Hothouse education debate submit your ideas to HAVE YOUR SAY: Dark Mofo Hothouse here.