Premier Barry O’Farrell today announced the NSW Government would provide $4 million funding for the Community Languages Schools Program this financial year. “By studying a language other than English, students can access opportunities for continued learning and future employment.
The Community Language Schools Program helps us build on the rich cultural diversity of NSW,” Mr O’Farrell said. The announcement of $4million funding is a key part of the government’s commitment to the recognition and the importance of learning language for young people to maintain and develop their background or heritage languages.
Minister for Communities Victor Dominello said there are currently over 30,000 students studying 58 background or heritage languages through the program. “My government believes in the value of students being able to learn the language of their heritage, and maintaining links with their communities here and abroad. “The importance of children to be bilingual is increasing due to a globalised world.
It equips children with the extra tools needed to help with entering the diverse workforce, this is what Community Language Schools have to offer. “We want to capitalise on the skills of students from the full range of backgrounds – strong language provision in our schools and community language schools play a vital role in this.”
Schools under the NSW Community Languages Schools Program are community-based, non-profit-making schools, established by communities whose background or heritage language is not English. These schools support students to maintain and develop the language of their community. These schools have been established by more than 250 community organisations and are funded each year by the NSW Government.