Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Kezia Dugdale MSP has highlighted the importance of Dumfries & Galloway College for the regions education.
The Labour MSP, accompanied by local MSP Elaine Murray and Chair of Education Cllr Jeff Leaver, was given a tour of the college on Monday (24th November) by Vice Principal Janette Brown.
During the tour, the Labour politicians and Ms Brown discussed the significant differences the college has made for life-long learning and skill development of people in the region.
Kezia Dugdale MSP said:
“It is clear to me just how vital an asset Dumfries & Galloway College is to this area. Students are receiving a top rate education from the college which is giving them fantastic skill sets to prepare them for the future in employment or indeed further education.
“It is great to witness the college working closely with the University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow University campus’s which has clearly been a great help for students who wish to take that step up to higher education.
“However, it is worrying to see how much pressure is being put on the college and staff members due to ever increasing college cuts. Dumfries & Galloway College isn’t an isolated case. The Scottish Government are squeezing college’s right across the country without realising the importance they have for local communities. We need to support our colleges, and therefore staff members if we are to continue to deliver the excellent education which we have come to expect in this region.
Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray added:
“We have a fantastic college here in Dumfries & Galloway with brilliant facilities. Staff members are clearly proud of the college however there is an obvious sense of worry from them about future funding.
“The SNP need to realise that not everybody who wants to further their education is able to or wants to go to university and it is for these people that the college has such significant importance.”
Photo attached of Kezia Dugdale MSP, Elaine Murray MSP, Cllr Jeff Leaver and Vice Principal Janette Brown.
