It struck me recently that the new strategy Aiming High has a lot to say about "fear not" and "good tidings."
For a long time, government policy has had tinges of "fear" in it. "Fear of" and "fear for" young people. There has been too much about "feral youth", "gangs", "offenders", troublesome et al. Government concern with care and safety - absolutely right for our children - has struggled with the reality of young people, resilience and managed risk. Our young people are not odd and alien. They cannot and must not be wrapped in cotton wool.
It is a real joy to read Aiming High. Now, I know there is insufficient investment. Like the rest of you, I will argue about more emphasis on the workforce. But I will also take a moment of pleasure as well. The ten year strategy is great to read. It has a clear aspiration for young people which we can all share in. It values the contribution of youth work. Admittedly, it challenges youth work to build structure and outcomes for young people. But that is okay - The NYA does too!
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