Students from Greece make up two per cent of pupils in Victoria, highlighting the impact of a second language in Australia. This week marked Education Week in Victoria, and the week-long event also gave credit to the benefits and importance of children learning an additional language as part of their education.
In 2011, the number of newly arrived English as an additional language students in government schools that were born in Greece equals 44.
Schools and kindergartens that participated in Education Week 2013 have been encouraged to incorporate a language theme into their celebrations through class activities, open days and other special events.
“Hundreds of schools and kinders across the state opened their doors to showcase what they are doing to give children and young people the very best start in life”, said the Education Minister Mr Dixon on the occasion of the Education Week.
With all these students coming from different countries and cultures, Australian education should insist more on promoting multiculturalism by providing a global education program, incorporating the teaching of foreign languages.
All along the Education Week, not only oversees-born students have been awarded but disabled students as well. With 80 special schools in the state of Victoria, students with disabilities can profit of an educational program aimed at preparing them to the professional life.
