AUSTRALIA: Parents Put Bite On Gran For Uniforms, Books

MELBOURNE (Herald Sun), November 6, 2007: Families are turning to grandparents and charities to help them meet the soaring cost of sending their children to school. Education costs have increased twice as fast as the rate of inflation, new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show. While the general cost of living rose 1.9 per cent in the year to September, the cost of school and university tuition jumped 4.1 per cent. Secondary school costs jumped 7.1 per cent, preschool and primary education costs 2.2 per cent and tertiary study expenses 2.6 per cent. The Australian Scholarships group estimates Victorian parents spend almost $20,000 a year putting a child through private school, or $6000 a year on a government school education. Open Family youth worker Les Twentyman said more than 600 families had asked for aid with school fees and books this year. Open Family helped 400. "School costs are a huge problem for some families," Mr Twentyman said. "And when you look at how many millions people will throw away today on the Melbourne Cup, it's really devastating when you see families who can't afford to send their kids to school." He said grandparents were increasingly being called upon to get kids through school. "Many grandparents are struggling themselves on pensions, but they realise how important an education is for their grandchildren, and what can happen if they don't." Parents Victoria executive officer Gail McHardy agreed. "A lot of families who are struggling with mortgages, bills, (and) rising interest rates are turning to grandparents these days," Ms McHardy said. The Smith Family has 25,000 students receiving help through its Learning for Life program. The not-for-profit organisation provides financial assistance, tutoring, and other support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Head of research for The Smith Family, Rob Simons, said many students needed help, now more than ever. "An increase of 4.1 per cent just goes to show how necessary these types of scholarships are," Mr Simons said. Private schools jacking up their fees for next year by as much as 8.5 per cent have contributed to rising costs. Scotch College and Haileybury College are among Melbourne private schools who will charge more than $20,000 for tuition. The education component of the Consumer Price Index was the third highest percentage cost hike, behind housing and health. It was higher than cost increases for food, transportation, household contents and alcohol and tobacco. By Jane Metlikovec © Herald and Weekly Times