- 53 community language schools have been funded
through the Western Australian Community Languages Program
- More than 34 community languages other than English are taught at
not-for-profit, volunteer-run schools
Language
learning in Western Australia is thriving after a major funding boost from the
State Government.
The
Cook Government is providing a total of $718,867 to support 53 not-for-profit
community language schools, to teach more than 7,300 students across the State
in 2023.
The community language schools, run
mostly by volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
teach more than 34 languages; including Arabic, Greek,
Kiswahili, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tamil and Vietnamese.
Students from Kindergarten-Year 12
will be supported through the program in 2023, including 50 students enrolled
in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Two
schools are being funded for the first time in 2023, with one new language to
the program, Urdu, also being supported.
In addition to the grants program, the Cook Government supports
Community Languages WA, to provide professional development opportunities to
more than 800 volunteer teachers and school administrators throughout the
school year.
Opportunities for one-on-one mentor support from an experienced language
educator are also provided through the program.
For more information about the Community Languages Program and the 2023
funding recipients, visit www.omi.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister
Dr Tony Buti:
"The growth of the
Community Languages Program over the past three years shows the importance of
investing in language diversity in Western Australia.
"The funding of new schools and languages in the Community Languages
Program reflects the changing Western Australian population.
"Opportunities for teacher mentorship and professional development
recognise the commitment and skills that community language teachers hold, and
their efforts to make a positive difference in students' lives.
"Learning languages other than English helps create a better
understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which are important
qualities in building an interconnected, vibrant and inclusive multicultural
society.
"The
Cook Labor Government is committed to strengthening language learning and
cultural understanding through initiatives like the WA Community Languages
Program."
