Dear Editor, The recent education symposium seems to have ignited passion in the community with calls for action and fighting, specifically to revitalise the culture of the Cook Islands.

Lots of talk, pride and energy. The usual crew on hand to fill the stadium and cheer the speakers on, and enjoy the show. Holistic education of young people is important, as is providing them with a deep rooted sense of identity to help launch them into a productive adult life. No argument there.

The question this observer/writer is left with at the end of the week is whether the kind of education we’re being asked to fight for is truly available to all our māpū, or for a select few who are nurtured and cared for by their kõpū and the wider community, young people who don’t need the support of government agencies, or don’t need to work extra jobs to help pay the bills at home.

I guess what got me thinking about this was hearing about a young 15-year-old who has not been at school while the symposium carried on, not being supported, nurtured and … educated. Tragically, while the politicians and government secretaries were travelling overseas or swapping business cards at the symposium, anticipating the next free conference or well-paid job, this young Cook Islander’s education is being – reportedly – undertaken in a police cell and at Arorangi prison.

How does that work, in our developed and Christian nation, where education is talked about so passionately? Where is the support for this young person and for others like him who fall through the cracks? Where is the welfare and the educational support, and the justice?

I am so grateful my children and mokopuna and our anau have never needed the government agencies to support us. I feel deeply for those who do, and for those young people being constantly let down by a government focused on economic prosperity for some, on overseas trips and conferences.

Perhaps next year’s symposium could be titled “Educational Opportunities for All”.

(Name and address supplied)