A Chinese language school in Toowoomba, and a Ukrainian school in Perth are among 600 community language schools set to get a boost, as part of the Federal Government’s program to help keep kids connected to languages.
Announced today, the $15 million scheme will directly assist over 90,000 students learning 84 different languages at not-for-profit Community Language Schools in every state and territory.
This funding will help schools with the upgrades they need to teach more students whether that be through purchasing educational equipment, improving access for disadvantaged students, strengthening online delivery, or setting up another school.
This investment will ensure more kids growing up in Australia can learn the language and culture of their families who have migrated here from overseas, ensuring that our diverse traditions, languages and cultures live on for generations to come.
“Australia is the best country in the world. One of the reasons for that is we are made up of people from all around the world,” Minister for Education Mr Jason Clare said.
“Community language schools are a key part of helping families to pass on the language of their ancestors to their children. That’s why this funding is important.”
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Andrew Giles, said the Government’s investment in community language schools means that migrant families in Australia can continue to share their language, culture and beliefs with their children and grandchildren.
“Community schools don’t just teach kids a new language- they build a community for families of similar backgrounds and help kids connect to elders in their communities,” he said.
“We also know that the younger someone starts learning a language, the easier it is for them to pick up. That’s why we’ve made sure that this investment will help more schools open their doors to pre-schoolers, not just school-aged kids.”
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