In the lead up to the Queensland state elections, after-hours ethnic schools and ethnic communities are seeking commitments from both parties on issues of languages education and support for the After Hours Ethnic Schools (AHES) program.
Newly re-elected Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland (ESAQ) President Irene Bayldon and Community Languages Australia, Executive Director Stefan Romaniw met this week with the Minister for Education, Cameron Dick and presented him with a submission seeking the Australian Labor Party’s position on supporting languages education in Queensland, increased funding for the After Hours Ethnic Schools program and a commitment that the LOTE Centre would be kept intact.
A meeting with the LiberalNational Party (NLP) Shadow Minister for Education, Dr Bruce Flegg was also held, and the same issues raised.
The minister for education as well as the shadow minister offered their ongoing support for AHES and they both committed to examine a formal submission, prepared by ESAQ and CLA which highlights the importance of a strong government commitment to languages and multicultural education in Queensland.
The submission also argues for increases of about $1 million in funding to support the AHES program, for teacher training and professional development and administrative support for the ESAQ.
It also seeks a commitment that the LOTE Centre be kept as whole unit and that any ideas of dismantling it be rejected. According to CLA’s submission, the LOTE Centre plays a critical role in supporting languages teachers in mainstream and after hours ethnic schools and also for mainstream teachers working in the multicultural education area.
The submission also calls on both parties to state their position prior to the elections.
Additionally it is worth mentioning that Greek language programs in Queensland are taught only in the after hours ethnic schools.
