Not an 'easy ride' (From Penarth Times)

Not an 'easy ride'

PENARTH youth workers say they were were extremely disappointed that young people were accused of having an 'easy ride', after the exam results improved again this summer.

Senior Information Worker, Jayne Tucker, wrote to the Times on behalf of the staff that work at the Penarth Youth Project Info Shop, which offers support and information on a wide range of issues to young people aged 11-25 years.

She said: "It was with some disappointment and sadness that I read the letter 'Exam Farce.

As a youth worker of some sixteen years, I have seen many young people having to work their way through the education system".

She explained that she found it appalling that someone could criticise the work of teachers and young people in attaining high results in both A-Level and GCSE examinations.

She emphasised the fact that many young people suffer strain and depression through the examination system, and that this unnecessary criticism does not help them.

She added: "There have been far too many cases of suicide and attempted suicide by students to justify these criticisms, and both the Samaritans and Childline cite exam stress as a major contributor for teenage suicide attempts."

In reply to the allegation that young people cause trouble, she said: "There are, of course, young people who behave in an anti-social manner, as there are many adults too, who cause offence to the public, but young people appear to be an easy target for blame for problems in society."

Jayne acknowledged that it can be off-putting for people to see groups of youths loitering around the streets, but added that this does not necessarily mean they are up to no good.

Jayne concluded: "The Penarth Youth Project would not have achieved so much without the commitment of the young people who have been centrally involved over the last few years. Some of these have gone on to make a positive impact on the community in which they live and work."